June Third Trimester (27 Weeks to Delivery)

[praises1139]

Yay for 3rd trimester! Hopefully an uneventful one!
Best wishes to all of you :)

[sassycassie1984]

Why oh why did Jude wait until 39 weeks to discover and abuse my ribcage?!

[bethers]

Hi girls
I'm in hospital!
Had ultrasound yesterday morning and ob appt. All was fine till she sent me for a routine GDM ctg.
Baby was nonreactive, no accelerations in over 2hrs. BP was up and sporadic.
So I got admitted!
My bp keeps rising it was 170/100 after lunch today!
So that along with GD and lack of baby movement means induction tomorrow!
I had a 2nd ctg last night which was still nonreactive. Got sent for an ultrasound which was fine.
But baby still wouldn't move much so tomorrow is baby day!
I'm on bed rest. Gotta love pre eclampsia.
Also my feet are lovely and swollen and I'm getting headaches.

[ldarolyn]

Sassy- Hopefully Jude isnt too hard on you with his kicking. Maybe he is just letting you know he is getting ready to break out of there soon.

Pink- Good luck with your induction tomorrow. I hope you are able to get some sleep tonight. I think I would be up all night like a little kid awaiting Christmas morning, if I knew when my LO was going to be born. Christopher will be in your arms before you know it. I can't wait to see pics.

Bethers- Sorry you had a change of plans after yuour rs appt. But at least they are on top of things and making sure you and baby are healthy. Get some rest tonight.

AFM- Nothing new to report. Still having contractions off and on but nothing regular. DH is remodeling our bathroom, so I was busy painting it today and yesterday. I am ready for our little girl to make her appearance. I am so ready to be off of work, and get to enjoy my summer off with my 3 kiddos. DH said she cant come until wednesday though (he wants a june baby), which is fine by me because my midwife is off tomorrow. I have an appt on wed and if I am dilated enough I might ask her to stip my membranes to maybe start things up. Otherwise I work wednesday through sunday, and I just dont want to, lol.

[sassycassie1984]

bethers - Good luck tomorrow! We'll be anxiously awaiting Bubs' birth story!

Ida - Hoping the both of us can get some worthwhile contractions going!

Pink - Can't wait to hear about Christopher's arrival :)

AFM - Still nothing new. Going on a walk after I eat breakfast.

[r6bikerchick]

Oops, I was back in the May thread.

Sassy - At least he didn't discover your ribcage at 29 weeks! Not much time left for him to abuse you from the inside!!

Bethers - Sorry for the pre-eclampsia, but you definitely sound very positive and you get to meet your LO soon!

Ida - Good luck at your appointment tomorrow. Can you call in "sick" if you don't go into labour?

AFM - As I posted in the May thread, I put some of my favourite pregnancy photos in the May Show Your Glow Thread. And I feel like a spoiled brat for being disappointed by only getting $150 in gift cards - I should be grateful for anything!

[Carolinagirl]

bethers-Good luck tomorrow! I'm so glad you got moved in over the weekend since your little one is making their arrival this week. I hope labor and delivery goes smoothly. Can't wait to hear the birth story and see pictures. :)

Pink-Good luck again! Can't wait for your update!

sassy-Hang in there girl! Your almost there....these last few days are the worst. I think its all the waiting for it to happen that the worst. Hope Jude is staying off your ribs today.

Ida-sounds like you've had a busy weekend! With all that work maybe it'll kick start things! Good luck at your appt tomorrow!

debra-how did your u/s go last week?

EJ-are you feeling any better today? Did you get things organized like you were hoping?

r6-Sounds like you had a great week! Sorry you didn't get anything off your registry, that happend with my first too. You can always return some of the clothes to help get some of the other things you need. Your maternity pics look fantastic, she really did a good job!

afm-I had a great memorial day weekend. It was nice and relaxing! Got to swim in the pool alot....which is my new favorite activity! I think I'm going to take ds this afternoon when they open up! I have a ob appt tomorrow too. I really hope they check me, I want to know if I'm making any progress. I'm so ready for this little boy! I'm still convinced hes going to be late though. :p stinker!

Hi to everyone else! Hope your doing well!

[debraanne6]

Hi Girls hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was so relaxing. I didn't get much done other than laundry and some light cleaning, but oh well!

Pink - thinking of you today!!!!!

EJ and Carolina - Thank you for asking about my ultrasound, sorry I havn't posted back yet. Everything went great!!!!!! Baby is 3 pounds now, and no cyst in sight. Also my bloodwork finally came back and it's normal. I have a 1 in 2500 risk of down's syndrome, so needless to say a hugh weight has been lifted off my shoulders!!! One bummer is that we didn't get any good pictures from the ultasound. You can barely tell what you are looking at! And no 3d images like last time. It was more for measurements and to make sure everything is in working order, which is far more important I know. But hey while your there can't you at least take a good pic? haha. One cute thing we saw was baby yawning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fe- how scary about passing out at worK! I had a dizzy spell at home last week when I was getting ready for work, but it quickly passed.

R6- Yay for your shower and photo shoot! Sorry you didnt get much from the registry. I havn't bought anything yet, because I'm waiting for my shower, I think I will freak if I dont get some stuff that I need!!!! lol At least he will be clothed though!!!!!!

AFM - Baby has been moving non-stop for 3 days it seems! I was showing DH my tummy, and we both like "oh wow!" Maybe the baby is turning? The utrasound I had showed that he or she was still breach, which I had no question it was becuase of the bladder kicks I had been feeling! But now the movemnet i feel is more in the belly button area. So either it's moving or it the baby has decided to punch me instead of kick me! lol

Hope you ladies are doing well!!!!!!!!

[Pinkturtledove]

Hi girls! I am up in L&D - everything is going very slowly. When they checked me this morning I was 1/2 cm dilated and 50% effaced. When they re-checked me 5 hours later, after one dose of miso-something (to soften the cervix), I was only 1 1/2 cm dilated and still 50% effaced. So we don't think we'll see him until tomorrow.

[sassycassie1984]

Pink - Are you allowed to get up and walk right now? I've heard that can help aide the softening agent they use!

Praying for a complicated free delivery for Christopher even if he takes his time! He just wants to be a June baby after all, Momma! ;)

[EJ1008]

bethers - Best wishes for a smooth delivery! When you say "tomorrow," is that June 1 Aussie time?

Pink - He'll be here soon, but like Cassie said, Christopher just wants to be a June baby. Though he could still surprise you.

Idarolyn - I hope you don't make it back to work!

sassy - You need to push Jude down and tell him you're ready to meet him.

r6 - I saw your pics -- very nice! I hope you do your best to make the gift cards stretch.

Carolina - I hope your little boy surprises you and comes early or right on time. Maybe all the swimming will help. I got some of my organizing done, but not everything I meant to. I feel behind, but uber-lazy. Lazy is winning.

debra - You must be breathing a sigh of relief to get such great results from the u/s! I'm so happy that everything looks wonderful. Ultrasounds in the third trimester are just weird because you can't see everything all at once anymore. I usually have to ask what I'm looking at and look for things that are obvious -- like his spine. I saw Baby yawn at a recent u/s -- so cute!

AFM - Had another trip to L&D last night. Did my kick counts after dinner like usual and felt nothing. Talked to the on-call doctor and went right to the hospital. Thankfully, he is FINE! I just couldn't feel him until well into the NST. But he got all of his accelerations, looked good on u/s and my fluid levels are all normal. U/s was weird though. My hospital is a teaching hospital, and both times I've been there, a student has done the u/s under watch of the resident. This student needed some more practice, and it made me a little extra nervous. Oh, and I was apparently having contractions but didn't feel those either.

We didn't get home from the hospital until after 2 a.m., so I took today off of work. Had a nice nap after my OB check this afternoon. OB check was uneventful. Had the strep test, which was really quick. I'll have NSTs weekly now, but didn't have to have one today since I just had one last night. OB encouraged me to call whenever I feel something is not right. I am glad that my practice has been so supportive of me.

Not feeling Baby a lot today, but I am feeling him. Just hoping he cooperates after dinner tonight.

[bethers]

best wishes pink! Hope you dilate faster!


Well I am now being sent to l&d tonight!
June 1st evening - it's 10am now. It was gonna be this morning but they must be busy.
They'll use the balloon catheter overnight and break my waters tomorrow (june 2) in the morning. So I'll have a june 2 baby :)

[sassycassie1984]

EJ - He really isn't letting you relax much, is he? I'm glad things were good at the NST, though and that your OB is so supportive of you!

bethers - Wishing you an uncomplicated labor and delivery as well!

AFM - Am contemplating a trip to L&D because I feel like I am leaking... I have soaked my underwear twice today and it didn't smell or feel like urine (it noticeably comes from my vagina and not my urethra). I notice it when laying down but it isn't really a steady trickle like you would think amniotic fluid would be. I called my midwife and she said it was up to me and that usually slow leaks aren't anything to worry about since amniotic fluid replaces itself but the only way I would know if it was a leak was to get checked at L&D. My friend who is a doula (and RN) said it probably is a slow leak and to give it 24 hours since most water ruptures result in labor within that time frame. She said if my Group B had been positive that I should go to L&D straight-away. In the meantime I should stay hydrated to build up any fluid I may be losing.

I think I am going to go to bed at least and if nothing happens by noon tomorrow I will go to L&D to get it checked. I trust both of them and don't think I should rush off tonight (unless it becomes a steady stream instead of a slow trickle) or he actually gets down to business!

[bethers]

Ooooh cassie!
Here's hoping it's the start!

Gosh lots of babies this week! :)

[EJ1008]

bethers - Hope all goes well! June 2 is going to be a great day for having your baby.

sassy - Hoping this is the START! We could have three babies here by the end of the week.

AFM - Baby Boy was a very good boy tonight, and gave me more than 10 movements in 25 minutes. I think the ice cream I ate after dinner helped. DH set up the glider tonight. Nursery is getting crowded. He took pics a while ago but needs to resize them before I can post. He has other things on his list, so I'm trying not to nag him.

[r6bikerchick]

Carolina - Thanks for the comments on the pics. I thought of you and your swimming while I was in the pool this morning. It still feels so good to move through the water, but I think I need to start slowing down and doing fewer laps with my team. I'm too competitive for my own good (but I really enjoyed staying ahead of the two non-pregnant ladies I was swimming with this morning!).

Deb - I'm so glad that the cyst is gone and that your fears have been alleviated. It's so cute when they yawn and you get to see it! If your baby is breech now, no worries - still lots of time to turn around. At my last three appointments, mine has been transverse, breech and then head-down - not sure if he's going to stay that way or not but I guess I will find out whether he is heads or tails at my appointment tomorrow!

Pink - I hope you've had your baby by now!

EJ - Glad babe passed the NST and was good for you last night. I've gotten worried a few times, so I'll try every trick in the book (orange juice, ice cream, lying down) and I always feel him before I head to the case room (L&D) - it's nice that they are so supportive of you coming in. I think if I went every time I got anxious, I'd be a permanent fixture!! Hopefully as he gets bigger I will feel him more.

Bethers - Welcome to baby Bethers! The international date line is confusing - a June 2 Aussie baby is a June 1 American/Canadian baby.

Sassy - C'mon, Jude!!

[sassycassie1984]

r6 - Way to kick some non-preggo butt :)

AFM - Still no baby and no more fluid leaking which makes me think it's not amniotic fluid. Maybe just a watery discharge? I am so confused. Since the mysterious fluid leaking stopped I'll just go to my midwife appointment tomorrow at 8:20 am. Going to take it easy in the meantime.

[debraanne6]

Wow this board is getting really exciting! So many babies nearly here!

[Carolinagirl]

debra-Yay!! So so happy for you! What a blessing that the u/s showed that the cyst was gone! I know that was a huge relief last week. And don't worry if baby is still head down, s/he has plenty of time to turn. :) How was your camping trip?

Pink-I hope your holding christopher in your arms as I type. :) He definetely wanted to be a June baby.

EJ-sorry your little boy is giving you so many scares. But that is so great that they have you come in to double check. You and the dr's are ontop of things. Glad he cooperated last night! Yea, lazy is winning with me too. I see so much I wanna do and clean around the house but I just have no energy to do it. Maybe I'll hit an energy spurt b4 baby gets here. :)

bethers-hoping your holding your little one as well!

r6-wow! You go girl! Thats awesome that your kicking non-preggo ladies butts in the pool! I bet they have to feel bad...I know I would. ;)

sassy-glad to hear the leaking stopped. Hopefully Jude will be here soon! Can't wait to hear about your appt tomorrow...I bet you've made alot of progress!

afm-I had my 38 week appt this morning. Everything looks good with baby. My belly is still measuring 37 weeks....the same thing happened with ds. I hit 37 and never went past....guess that means my belly says I just can't stretch anymore!! :p She checked me and said I was 60% effaced and a fingertip dilated. I looked in my book for ds and they didn't check me at 38 weeks last time so I don't have anything to compare to. At least its something though! :)

[Jen0653]

So many babies will be here soon!!! It's exciting and also making me realize that I'm not that far away! Over the weekend, we hit the 50 day mark. Hoping to read some birth stories soon!!! :)

Debra - Glad to hear you got great news at the u/s!!! Always good to get reassuring news.

r6 - Sorry to hear that the shower didn't go as you had hoped. It's always frusterating when things go differently than you think they will. Hopefully you can get what you need with the giftcards.

EJ - A little "chat" might be in order for your LO! No more worrying mama!!!

Went to my appointment just before heading out for the weekend, and all was good. I was measuring at 34 weeks when I was 32 weeks, which isn't crazy, but 2 weeks prior I was measuring at 30 weeks. Hoping that it doesn't continue at this rate! I'm only 5'1" and already feeling crazy movements in my ribs!!! I'm up a total of 23 pounds though, which I'm pretty content with. Had a very wet weekend camping, pretty much had rain the whole time! Sleeping on the air mattress was way more comfortable that I anticipated too! Got lots of naps in! Had a strange episode one day after breakfast though. Got very dizzy, then started seeing black spots and sat down. I got very hot and felt nauseous. It passed after a few minutes, but it was something that hasn't ever happened before either. Off to my childbirth class tonight!

[EJ1008]

Pink and Bethers - I hope you're both holding your babies right now. Can't wait for your birth stories and pics!

r6 - Sorry you've had a few scares, too. I try all of the tricks too. It's good that I didn't develop GD because sugar usually gets him going. Go you with the swimming!

Sassy - Since it's been over 12 hours since your last post, I hope this means things are progressing for you. C'mon, Jude! We all want to meet you -- especially your mama!

Carolina - Yay for a great appointment! Keep on progressing -- just a matter of time now.

Jen - Baby Boy and I have had plenty of chats. He just doesn't always listen. You're short like me! Only you're taller than me since I'm 5 foot even. Baby has always sat low for me, and I think he's dropped a bit. I haven't had ribcage kicks though I have some pains from my uterus getting up that high. I've had the dizzies plenty of times, so I feel for you. Hopefully it was just a one-time deal for you. Hope your class was fun!

AFM - You know how turkey can make you sleepy? I think it makes Baby Boy sleepy. On Monday, I made turkey sausage with broccoli and pasta. Eat broccoli and pasta all of the time, but hadn't had turkey in a while. That's when Baby was super quiet. Had the leftovers tonight and guess what? Super quiet until I ate ice cream and drank a glass of OJ. I'm not having any more turkey until after he's born (and want him to sleep).

[sassycassie1984]

EJ - Nothing shaking but some Braxton Hicks and some odd twinges here and there. I just think he's a stubborn little fart. I decided to take it easy today and stay off the computer (though I've checked every few hours to see if Pink or bethers had posted anything yet).

Midwife appointment at 8:20 am which is in 7 hours 10 mins! I hate not being able to fall asleep!

Hopefully I'll have some good progress to report!

[ldarolyn]

Pink and Bethers- Hoping you guys are snuggling up with your LOs right now.

Sassy- Fingers crossed that you have made some progress at your appt.

EJ- That makes sense that it would make him sleepy too. Maybe it will work in your favor if you breastfeed, and an get some good sleep at night. :D

Jen- Hope you enjoyed your childbirth class. DH wanted to go amping this past weekend, but at almost 39wks I decided to stay home in my own bed. Glad you enjoyed yourself and were able to catch up on some sleep. Sary about the dizzy episodes. Was it hot out too?

Carolina- Progress is progress and less you have to dilate when you actually are in labor.

AFM- Had my 39wk check today. Was 1 1/2cm dilated and 60% effeaced. I asked her to strip my membranes and she said she did. It didn't feel like last time with DS though. Wonder if its because I was 2-3cm last time so my other midwife was able to sweep with both fingers and this time she could only do it with 1. I was sent home with instructions to spend some "quality time with DH", he was remodeling the bathroom and then his back was sore, so I dint fulfill my homework requirement:mad:. Contractions have picked up this evening and just had a huge chunk of mucous, so hopefully she will be arriving this weekend.

[r6bikerchick]

Sassy - I have NO patience...I bet my little guy will be like Jude and will try to teach me some!

Carolina - You are inching closer!

Jen - I'm glad camping went well. I have had the exact same experience (black spots, feeling hot and nauseous, etc.). I think it's from low blood pressure, probably caused by dehydration. Water, water, water!!

EJ - Yup, I'm glad that I can have sugar when I want! I had orange juice with breakfast this morning, and go figure the little guy is going crazy. I wish he could be this active ALL the time. Let's hope the turkey trick works with BFing.

Ida - Darnit! That kind of homework might have helped things along! Funny but fitting that it's DTD that gets them in there (not sure if any of you got a similar "prescription" while TTC) and it's also DTD that can help to get them out!

AFM - Feeling like superwoman! As I mentioned, swimming was great yesterday AND I mowed the lawn last night (it's the first time some of my neighbours realized I was pregnant, because I was wearing a tank top). I also got a bunch of prints of my 3D u/s pics and my maternity pics, bought some frames and albums and got them all arranged. Today I am taking half a day off for a doctor's appointment in the afternoon and I am going to try to get a few things for the nursery so I can start setting up. :)

[praises1139]

Ld--camping??? What if u went into labor?? We are supposed go camping during my 2nd tri b/c our family is going at the end of Aug and I'm even nervous to do that!

[sassycassie1984]

r6 - I used to think I was pretty patient! Not so much anymore! I am physically, mentally, spiritually, EVERY kind of ready for him to be here!

Carolina - Keep up the progress!

Jen - I measured 4 weeks ahead at 38 weeks when up until then I measured 1.5 weeks ahead, but I carry out front and have a short torso. I think the numbers really depend on how you carry and your frame.

Ida - Hope the contractions decide to stick around and make something happen. Mine still keep starting and fizzling out shortly afterward. I will probably have my membranes swept next week if he doesn't come before then since I'll be nearing 41 weeks.

AFM - No progress. Still 3 cm dilated and 70% effaced. Midwife said that's probably what I'll stay at until I go into active labor (which is all up to Jude).

If I don't have him soon, my next appointment is June 8th and I'll have to get an NST and ultrasound since I'll be close to 41 weeks by then.

I really hope he comes this weekend! I can't sleep at night because things have gotten so uncomfortable!

[Carolinagirl]

Jen-hope that your dizzy spell was just a one time thing. Although I get alot of hot flashes now! So I don't know if those will stay away. How was your class?

EJ-I would have never thought that about the turkey...but I bet that very well could be it. How is he behaving today? :)

Ida-your definitely right! progress is progress :) Hopefully you can get some quality time in with dh tonight. ;)

r6-how did your appt go?

sassy-you are getting so close! I know how uncomfortable you are...its the pits! Are you able to get any naps in during the day? Right now that is my only saving grace. Hang in there girl!

I'm facebook friends with pink....so she should have an update for all of us soon. ;)

afm-I'm just hanging in there, I'm a bit crampy today but thats about it...And just staying out of the heat, its 96 today here!

[sassycassie1984]

It's 90 here today and my power went out an hour ago. Needless to say I am a hot grumpy sweaty preggo lady right now! I hope they fix it soon or I'll have to wake DH up to take refuge at the mall or something!

Carolina - Yes on the naps. I could not function without them lately!

[EJ1008]

Idarolyn - I hope you can get your homework done tonight. You'll be holding your daughter soon!

r6 - Can you send some of your energy my way? How did your appointment go today?

sassy - Having no power seems like a cruel joke for a woman waiting to go into labor. I hope your power is restored soon. We've lost our power the last two Father's Day weekends due to storms. If it happens this year, I'll be 39 weeks as well... I hope you don't make your appointment next week.

Carolina - I'm hoping my turkey theory is correct. It was really the only explanation. He's been good today. Really liked the Greek yogurt I had for a morning snack. 96 is way too hot!

AFM - I worked from home today and only worked for about a half a day. I wish I could do this more often. Finally started doing laundry for Baby today. I get to fold little baby clothes tonight!

[bethers]

katherine alexis is here! Born 8.05pm (8am us east coast time) last night 2nd june 6lb 11oz.

12 hrs of induced labour and she wouldn't come out!!!! So I had an emergency caesarean.
Her blood sugar is low so we're topping her up with formula till my milk comes in.

[debraanne6]

bethers congrats!!! Hoping you recover quickly!!!!!!!!!!!

[sassycassie1984]

congrats, bethers!!

[EJ1008]

bethers - Congratulations! Can't wait to see pictures. I love her name. We were going to use Katherine for a middle name if we had a girl. Hope your recovery goes well, and that little Katherine's blood sugar levels are normal very soon.

[praises1139]

bethers--congrats!! just added katherine to the pregnancy thread. yay!


about the turkey: i think you're talking about the tryptophan it has...there are other foods that have it too! it is actually pretty important, which i didn't know till now.
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=103

[bethers]

hey girls I will post pics when I get home sunday or monday.

[Carolinagirl]

sassy-bless your heart, I hope the power came back on. I woke up to no power yesterday morning, by 11 I was starting to panic but luckily it came on shortly after that.

EJ-not to much longer and you'll be staying home with that precious little boy. :) Isn't folding the clothes the best....they are just so tiny. I love it!

bethers-Congratulations! Welcome baby Katherine! I hope you have a quick recovery...can't wait to hear more once you come home. :)

afm-I've been up since 4am east coast time....I can't fall back asleep for nothing. :( I've only had 4 hours of sleep...this seems so cruel. :(

[fe_bengan]

congrats bethers!!!!!!:D

[r6bikerchick]

Sassy - Wow, grumpy is right! I would be fuming (literally and figuratively)! It's time for Jude to come out so at least the pregnant part is taken out of the equation!

Carolina - And here I am complaining about the cool, rainy weather. You can keep that heat, though! Thanks for asking about my appointment (and EJ too) - I think all is well -a medical student did all the usual checks but she didn't say a word and she didn't write it on my chart while I was there. But she conferred with my doctor and he seemed satisfied - he doesn't want to see me for another four weeks, i.e. not til 36 weeks, so I guess he has no concerns. Thank goodness I am still seeing my family doctor too, and he wants to see me every two weeks.

EJ - Baby laundry is so cute that it doesn't seem like as much of a chore (at least not right now). I washed ALL of the clothes (FOUR loads) on the weekend and now I am just waiting until I make some drawer liners tomorrow before putting them in the dresser. I also have a Rubbermaid storage tote for the bigger items, because there is no way they are all going to fit! (And I mean they won't fit in the dresser, but they also won't fit the baby - I have stuff up to toddler size!!).

Bethers - Congrats on the arrival of Katherine Alexis! I'm sorry you had to go through the rigours of induced labour (which I've heard is harder on the body than natural labour) and then an emergency c-section, but the good news is that she is here and I'm sure her blood sugar will stabilize quickly. I take it there is no breastmilk bank at your hospital and that's why they have to use formula? Praying your milk comes in quickly!

[sassycassie1984]

Quick update, no personals for now: Power came back on after an hour last night... WHEW. Today I've had some menstrual cramping, diarrhea, and bloody show, and lots of pelvic pressure. I think Jude is coming this weekend!! Just waiting for contractions to start!

[praises1139]

this thread is very suspenseful! haha GL everyone!

[debraanne6]

sassy - sounds like you are almost there! Good Luck this weekend!!!!

[sassycassie1984]

Quick Update: Still no contractions, lots of pelvic pressure (like it almost burns), and now having some lower back cramping that could be contractions but they don't come regularly or get stronger.

Everything I've been reading says we should be prepared for labor to get underway within 24-48 hours. I'll try to keep you all posted as much as possible. I'm really hopeful it's gonna be soon!

Carolina - Did you say you had friended Pink on facebook? Has she updated on Christopher any? Just wondering.

Jonquil - Thinking of you and hoping Luke is growing like a weed :)

Oreos - Thinking of you too!

[Carolinagirl]

r6-that is strange that the dr. didn't want you to come back for another 4 weeks. Glad your regular doctor is having you come in every 2 weeks. I know here in the states we start going every 2 weeks at 28 weeks then at 36 weeks its every week.

sassy-you definitely are close! Thats how my labor with ds started...a really bad backache. Hope things pick up soon! Pink posted when she had the baby and his stats but she hasn't been on facebook it looks like since thursday. Hopefully she'll update soon.

afm-I hate taking medicine while I'm preggo but I had to break down and take a Tylenol pm last night...I just can't sleep. I feel all out of balance. :(

I hope everyone has a good weekend!

[EJ1008]

I spent about 6 hours in L&D overnight. Had problems feeling Baby again. Believe me, I've had talks with him. He is fine, though they wanted to monitor him for a while since this was my third time in over the past two weeks. I am having a lot of contractions but nothing regular yet. I also got my first cervical check. I am 3cm dialated, 70% effaced at a -3 station. Doctor and nurse told me it's a good start. Doesn't mean baby is coming soon, but nurse seemed to think I'd be back in labor sooner than later. My cousins all told me that they delivered their first babies at about 37 weeks, so maybe it's a family trend. DH finally agreed to install the car seat today.

Exhausted right now, so no personals except to say to Sassy that I really hope Jude arrives this weekend!

[sassycassie1984]

Carolina - glad you got some sleep. I hate taking stuff too :(

EJ - He sure is being a little stinker, isn't he?! Glad everything is still good though! I was at 3cm and 70% two weeks in a row. I think I may be a little more effaced now. Not sure, though.

AFM - Obviously still hanging around. Same symptoms as yesterday and ZERO contractions. I am really starting to wonder if I should brace myself for back labor because I have had those pains off and on the past two days. It isn't strong by any means but it's noticeable. Today is our due date. I know it's an arbitrary date, but I was definitely thinking we'd be on our way to L&D by now from yesterday! Who does this kid think he is having a mind of his own? ;)

[EJ1008]

Sassy - Our boys are both being little stinkers -- just in different ways.

[ldarolyn]

Sassy- I hope things pick up for you and Jude makes his grand appearance soon. Hopefully you dont have back labor.

EJ- You are making good progress. You are further dilated than me, and I am due on thurs.

Carolina- Hopefully you got some good sleep after the tylenol PM. I am the same way, I hate taking medicine. I think this entire pregnancy I had taken 3 or 4 regular strenth tylenol but I've had to give in some nights and take a tylenol PM because i was absolutely exhausted but just couldnt sleep.

Bethers- congrats!!! Cant wait to see pics of your little princess.

AFM- Nothing much to report. Still losing my mucous plug, it must be regenerating, having sporadic contractions and at times have some pretty bad rectal pressure but it doesnt feel like she is sitting really low, so I dont know what thats all about.
I was hoping she would come before I started my stretch of work but now I am hoping she lets me get through this weekend. I worked 16 hrs last night and am again tonight and then 12 hrs tomorrow. Then she can come anytime. I only have one more 8 hr shift scheduled after that. My midwife is on call monday, so hopefully she decides to arrive after I get a nap in mon morning and my midwife can deliver her.

[r6bikerchick]

Sassy - Boy oh boy, Jude is taking his sweet time to make a grand entrance! Wonder if he'll be punctual for deadlines when he's older? :)

Carolina - The ob-gyn I was seeing before my current maternal gp follows the standard of every two weeks for 28-36 weeks and weekly thereafter. The maternal gp seems more laid back and I think the fact that I have been having a very normal, "boring" pregnancy so far, with no concerns or issues, is why he is okay with going four weeks. But I like to check in on the baby more often than that!! So, I get to go see my regular gp next week, and then I'll see him again two weeks after that, and then it's only another week to my maternal gp appointment, and then one more week to my next bi-weekly with my regular gp (if that makes sense). By then, the maternal gp had better want to see me at least bi-weekly, if not weekly.

EJ - Sorry babe is being a stinker. I know what it's like to worry - I haven't felt mine much at all today, but I had a nap in the afternoon when he is usually active, and I haven't sat down yet to relax, but as soon as I do, I will do my kick counts. I'm sure that by the time July rolls around I will be more than ready to have a 37-38 weeker!

Ida - From this thread, it seems the one thing we can't count on is babies' timing, but I hope yours lets you get through to Monday!

AFM - I lined the drawers of the wooden dresser we have in the nursery today. I was looking to buy pre-made drawer liners, but I couldn't find any that I liked so I ended up buying some really cute patterned scrapbook paper, cutting it to fit, and using double-sided tape to attach it. Turned out great! I might have to take some pictures, but of course now the drawers are filled with clothes. It feels so good to have all the baby clothes laundered and put away and ready for use. I think I have a few options for the "coming home" outfit I'm going to pack in my bag, but I don't plan to pack for another few weeks at least (I'm only 32 weeks tomorrow).

Oh, and I was woken yesterday morning by the most painful, awful charley horse in my right calf! It was seized so badly I wanted to cry. It is still sore enough today that I am walking with a slight limp. I thought that going to the gym yesterday would help, but it appears to have made things worse. I think I need to get into the pool.

Boy, I'm a chatterbox tonight! I just realized I have my first hypnobirthing class tomorrow, so I am excited to see how that goes. Time to get out some knitting and sit down and relax and do some kick counts.

[ldarolyn]

R6 you are right about them being on their own time frame. Its baby day!!!!! I worked my 16hr shift, stood up to give report and my water broke. At hospital now will update later.

[Pinkturtledove]

Hi girls! I don't have a lot of time right now but Christopher was born June 1st at 9:10 pm. He weighed 7 lbs 6.5 ozs and was 20 inches long. He is such a calm and mellow baby. He hardly cries and is very alert and takes in everything. I'll be posting my very long birth story soon but right now I have a chance to get some sleep - so talk to you all soon!

[EJ1008]

Pink - I'm so glad to hear that Christopher is here and is such a good baby!

Idarolyn - Best wishes for a smooth delivery!

[Carolinagirl]

Ida-Good Luck!!! Can't wait for an update!

Pink-Congrats again! Definitely sleep when he does. :)

sassy-How are you doing today? You still hanging around?

r6-I think I got it. ;) I'm just glad your general is so ontop of things, definitely getting that reassurance its priceless!

Ej-I'm so sorry baby boy is giving you such a hard time! Wow, you are making great progress....it won't be long now for you either!

afm-I'm just hanging in here, just feeling huge! :) I think the baby dropped....I'm going to post some pics from yesterday then today. You ladies tell me what you think?

[fe_bengan]

pink - congrats!!!!!!!!!!! cant wait to hear your birth story and see pics.

Ida - hope all is going well, how exciting. Good luck.

Sassy - I hope Jude is being kind and getting moving. Fingers crossed.

R6 - I hope you enjoy your hypnobirthing class, I really enjoyed mine and have been practicing so hopefully all goes to plan.

No news as such on baby front for me she is still happily baking away. am 38 weeks today so just gearing up and hope things start in next 2 weeks. :rolleyes:

Oreo - how are the twins, thinking of you.

bethers and Jon - hows your little ones getting on?

[sassycassie1984]

Pink - Congrats! Can't wait for your story!

Ida - So jealous it's baby time for you :) Praying for an easy labor and delivery!

AFM - Still hangin around. Had a lot more watery discharge again today, so this time we went to L&D to get it checked. Definitely just discharge and still 3cm, 70%! Bag of waters is bulging so Jude is definitely running out of room. He also wasn't moving a lot (he's like his parents - a night owl and it was 11 am) so we had to stay for an hour and drink a Sierra Mist which he very much enjoyed (me too since I haven't had soda in forever!).

My mom, sister, aunt, & cousin came to our house this evening to visit (45 min drive). Guess they thought he'd decide to come with them here lol.

I do hope he comes soon. Waiting is so terrible especially past the 40 wk mark!

[ldarolyn]

Real quick. Gianna Nicole arrive june 5th. At 847pm, she was 7lbs 13oz and 19in long. She was stubborn at first, didn't make it to 6cm til 7pm {12hrs) but was born quickly after that with only 2 pushes, and I got my waterbirth!!! Will give better birth story later

[fe_bengan]

ida - congratulations, so happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!:)

[EJ1008]

Idaroyln - Congrats! What a beautiful name. Can't wait for pics and your birth story. So glad you were able to do the waterbirth.

Sassy - I hope Jude hurries up. Will they induce you if you make it to your appointment later this week?

Carolina - I saw your pictures, and yes -- I think you dropped!

[Carolinagirl]

Ida-Congratulations! And welcome baby Gianna!! Glad you got the birth experience you wanted!! Thats wonderful. :)

EJ-I hope its a sign he is coming soon. :)

fe-glad to hear everything is going well with you and your lo.

sassy-Jude sure is teasing you....hopefully he'll be here soon. I went 5 days over with my first ds so I know how miserable and impatient it can get. Thinking of you!

afm-39 weeks today :D It can't be much longer, right?! ;)

[r6bikerchick]

Ida - Congrats on Gianna Nicole! Sounds like L&D was great and I am looking forward to hearing about your waterbirth.

Pink - Congrats on the safe arrival of Christopher Andrew - I read your birth story and I know it was a long time to get him here!

Carolina - SO close! Sending you "baby OUT" thoughts!

Fe - Thanks! I fell asleep listening to the relaxation CD last night so I'm not sure what it says, but I guess it worked if I fell asleep!

Sassy - Tell Jude we're all looking forward to meeting him!

[landbttc]

Hi ladies!! 27 weeks today and I'm not wasting any time getting over here. I'm so excited. 3 1/2 weeks ago I was hospitalized and they thought I'd deliver soon but I've since been released and aside from some mild preeclampsia- I'm going strong!!!

Anyone preeclamptic!?!?

[sassycassie1984]

land - Welcome to the third tri! Good job baking those trips! :)

Carolina - I'm on day 2 overdue and going NUTS! Two weeks ago I could have been pregnant forever but now? I'm actually over it! Guess that's nature's way of getting us ready for babies to come out! I looked at your pictures too and it does look like you dropped a bit!

EJ - I don't think they'll induce me by breaking water or pitocin at the appointment this week unless it's indicated by the NST and ultrasound. She may strip my membranes, though. I'm not opposed to that at this point!

Ida - Congratulations! Looking forward to your birth story!

"Hi," to everyone else!

AFM - Jude and I both are baking in the Kentucky heat and humidity ;)

[debraanne6]

Wow it sounds like we had an exciting weekend on this board!!!

Pink - Congrats! I wll have to go read you birth story. I'm so excited for you.

Ida - Wow way to go on the waterbirth! Sounds like you did great!

Land - Welcome! I'm so happy you have made it to the third trimester!!!!!

Hope everyone has had a great weekend. Sorry for those of you who are about to pop, but babies are being stubborn. Your time will come soon!


As for me - I had my maternity shoot this weekend (One of our friends is an amatuer photgrapher) so I hope we got some good shots! I'm getting pretty excited, my shower is on the 18th, and I know it will make things all the more "real".

[r6bikerchick]

Just sticking my nose back in to welcome Liz to the THIRD TRIMESTER with TRIPLETS! Way to go, girl! When does DH get to come home and keep you company?

P.S. - This is one of those days where I wish human gestation was more like 32 weeks instead of 40. I'm not all that uncomfortable, physically, but the mental stress is wearing me down (funny that I think I will worry less about Bubba when he is on the outside). The weather is TERRIBLE (cold, wet, and grey) and my job is stressing me out. Ugh. Can't wait to go home and put on some jammies and eat some KD (my comfort food). Hopefully the little guy will bounce around after dinner and put a smile on my face.

[jlbroyles]

P.S. - This is one of those days where I wish human gestation was more like 32 weeks instead of 40. I'm not all that uncomfortable, physically, but the mental stress is wearing me down (funny that I think I will worry less about Bubba when he is on the outside). The weather is TERRIBLE (cold, wet, and grey) and my job is stressing me out. Ugh. Can't wait to go home and put on some jammies and eat some KD (my comfort food). Hopefully the little guy will bounce around after dinner and put a smile on my face.

Just had to pop in to comment. It is funny how when we are pregnant we think we will worry less after they are born. I think I worry about my DD more now that she is "out" than when I was pregnant. LOL ;)

[praises1139]

yay, Liz!!!! keep baking those eggplants!! haha
that is awesome


Just sticking my nose back in to welcome Liz to the THIRD TRIMESTER with TRIPLETS! Way to go, girl! When does DH get to come home and keep you company?

P.S. - This is one of those days where I wish human gestation was more like 32 weeks instead of 40. I'm not all that uncomfortable, physically, but the mental stress is wearing me down (funny that I think I will worry less about Bubba when he is on the outside). The weather is TERRIBLE (cold, wet, and grey) and my job is stressing me out. Ugh. Can't wait to go home and put on some jammies and eat some KD (my comfort food). Hopefully the little guy will bounce around after dinner and put a smile on my face.

[praises1139]

still nothing??
these babies don't want to come out!!! haha. i hope they decide to soon!!

[landbttc]

THANKS for the warm welcome ladies!!! There's a small chance that they'll send DH home next week but they'll def. send him home no later than July 1. I find that with the Army, things change every single day. As if we don't have enough to deal w/ w/ our triple pregnancy and things changing daily!!

[landbttc]

P.s. My babies have been the size of eggplants for the past 3 weeks. I wish the bump would at least say "You're baby is STILL the size of an eggplant!!!"- instead of "Baby's now the size of an eggplant!!!" every week like it's something new and exciting.

[praises1139]

land--haha...i told my friend who is 17wks that i'm going to catch up to her because it looks like there are fewer fruits & veggies during the 2nd half!! i guess it makes sense that the rate of growth slows down

[Carolinagirl]

landb-Welcome to the 3rd trimester!! I know those tickers seem to get stuck for about 3 weeks before moving on :p Thats great that your dh will be here soon! Just a few weeks to go b4 he's back! :)

praises-we've got a couple stubborn babies over here. :p Hopefully they'll come soon. :)

sassy-I hope your off having your little one!!

debra-aww, how fun! You'll have to share once you get them back.

r6-hope baby boy was able to bring a smile to you last night. :) And jbroyles is definitely right, you'll worry way more once they are here than when they were baking!

afm-My ob appt went ok today, everything with baby looks great. I even lost 5lbs from last week (I couldn't believe it)! She checked me and I was 1 cm dilated, 60% effaced, and she could feel the babies head, so the baby definitely dropped. I was feeling really discouraged afterwards...I guess its all the hormones. I just feel like I'm going to be pregnant forever. :( But luckily a friend of mine came over and she got my mind off things and cheered me up. So thankful b/c I really needed it.

[sassycassie1984]

Still pregnant! I'm also feeling like I'll be pregnant forever!

Unless he decides to pull one over on us tonight, we'll have an NST and ultrasound tomorrow at 11:30.

I think I'm going to ask our midwife if she recommends stripping my membranes at this point. It's getting hard to get my morning kick count and it's stressing me out (night time is no problem).

[bethers]

i haven't read the posts so no personals but i wanted to check in.

we are finally home. after 10 days for me, 6 days for katherine.

we changed hospitals on sunday when she was 44hours old and it was horrendous. i was instructed to transfer to the local hospital near to home (where i wasn't allowed to deliver as i was high risk due to my BMI so i delivered at the main maternity hospital here). i was a total mess as they made me make my own way there. i was in agony, and they hadn't told me that i had to get there myself (i'd just sent dh home and he had to come back to get me!). there was huge lacks of communication and it wasn't much fun. i cried the whole way as it hurt so much every time there was a bump or a corner - and it's about 25miles.
anyways, the new hospital was excellent. the midwives were lovely. i'd been struggling to bf and katie was mostly on formula, and they helped me heaps so now we're on about 80% bf and 20% formula. :) yay!
she had jaundice so was under lights for 2 days - after the other hospital had said she was fine, but my gosh the poor girl was glowing!!! so we got kept in for 6 days instead of the normal 3-4 after a c section.
i am healing well and i'm just soooo happy to be home and looking forward to sleeping in my own bed soon. gotta express tonight as we gave her formula earlier as she's been sleeping for 7 hours since we left the hospital!

anyways i'll post up my birth story later and try to catch up with everything tomorrow.

[debraanne6]

Bethers - Glad you get to go home!!! That is along time to be in the hospital!

Sassie - Anytime now!!!!!!!!

[Carolinagirl]

sassy-how did your appt go today?

bethers-I know you are sooo glad to be home. What an ordeal! Glad you and Katie are doing ok. :) Looking forward to your birth story!

debra-Hi! How are you doing?

EJ-how are you feeling? You are getting really close too!

Hi to everyone!

afm-Just keeping busy, trying not to think about when will this little one will come. My friends have been keeping me busy this week, which is really nice! These last weeks you definitely need the distraction. :)

[sassycassie1984]

bethers - glad you and Katie are home now!

afm - My chubby cheeked, big headed baby has plenty of fluid to float around in (he's also still a boy which was nice to know lol). A full bladder u/s at 40 wks is soooo much worse than the one at 20 wks! Also, we passed our NST. Midwife stripped membranes (owww!) and I've been pretty crampy ever since. Hoping it progresses to labor soon. We have another NST scheduled for Tuesday but I'm hoping we won't need to show up for that appointment!

[Jen0653]

Sassy - It has to be soon!!!! I just finished up my childbirth class and they told us that most first time moms will deliver right around 41 weeks. Not what we want to hear, but if it holds true, your time is now!!!

Carolina - Soon for you too! I'm starting to feel like in a week, no one will be left here! LOL You won't be pregnant forever!!! :)

Bethers - Congrats Mama!!! Glad you are home and can't wait to read the full story. I feel like I'm trying to soak up as many stories as possible the closer I get!

Land - Congrats on making it this far!!! I know it may sound weird, but I've been secretly cheering you on for awhile now!!! Hopefully DH can make it home soon too! My DH was in the Marines for a bit, so I understand how unpredictable the military can be!

Debra - I love seeing everyone's maternity shots! We didn't end up doing it and I'm starting to regret it, just no time! Are you getting excited for the shower? For me, I was just ready to finally get a room put together and ready "just in case" she came early. It's exciting and seems to make it that much more real too!

Ida - Congrats! Glad you got the water birth you wanted too!!!

Fe - Soon for you too!!!

Pink - Congrats to you too!!!

r6 - I've had those leg cramps that make your legs sore the next day too! Not fun at all! I started eating a banana every morning and trying to eat a few Tums at night, for the extra calcium and haven't had any since then.

EJ - How are things going? Baby cooperating? I had to laugh at your comment that I was tall! I NEVER hear that!

I didn't realize how far behind I really was! I work Friday, and then I'm officially off until at least September though! I've never in my life took this much time off work either, so it's a strange feeling. Finished up my last childbirth class last night, and while it wasn't the most informative, I do feel like I got some good things out of it. DH and I are the kind of people that like to be overly prepared too, so it was good in that aspect. And we scheduled our hospital tour for a week from Sunday. Considering taking a breastfeeding class too, but still have to look into it. Had my 34 week check-up yesterday and things were boring, which is great! I'm on to weekly appointments though, and next week doctor will be checking me. That makes it feel like things are getting super close!

[Carolinagirl]

sassy-glad everything looks good with Jude. I don't think you'll be making it to that appt next week. Hoping he comes by the weekend! Hope the stripping of the membranes works!

Jen-glad everything is going well. I hope you enjoy your time off b4 the baby comes? Any specific plans? And its not too late to do maternity pics, maybe thats something you could do while your off. Just a thought. :) I know it has gotten pretty quiet over here since everyone started having there babies. :)

r6-Hope your doing ok....haven't seen you post in awhile.


afm-I'm in sooo much pain this morning. My groin area is killing me. I can barely walk or go up and down the stairs....it is soo frustrating. I took some tylenol but it doesn't seem to be working. :(

Has anyone ever heard of taking Evening Primrose Oil to induce labor? A friend of mine was telling me about it but I'm not so sure?

[praises1139]

Carolina--i have heard that before because when TTC, they say not to use it after O since it could cause your uterus to contract.
http://www.ehow.com/how_4882183_use-primrose-oil-start-labor.html

[r6bikerchick]

Land - Man oh man, I just keep thinking you've got a WHOLE lot of baby in there. I never bothered with a ticker (which probably drives people crazy trying to remember how far along I am), and I generally view the threads with the "view signatures" option off (I can see way more posts per page that way). Good job! Like Jen, I've been "secretly" (or not-so-secretly) cheering you on, too.

Carolina - Thanks for checking on me! I did just what I said on Monday night (jammies and Kraft Dinner and an early bedtime), and baby boy has been keeping me smiling ever since. We had some "special" time this morning at about 3am - I woke up and couldn't sleep, so I cleaned the bathroom and did some reading, and baby was awake to "keep me company." I hope your LO shows up soon. Even at 32-33 weeks I am getting impatient.

Sassy - I hope that stripping your membranes helps and gets Jude on his way.

Bethers - Glad to hear that you and Katherine are home and that breastfeeding is well underway. Hoping you get to 100% soon.

Jen - Oh boy, I would love to be off work. My doctor said he'll write me a note for short-term disability any time I want, but I'd feel guilty for taking off at this point. My current goal is to make it to at least 37 weeks. As for maternity pics, you *could* still do them, but I know it might be something that you would have preferred to do sooner. I hope you are at least getting some pictures just with your own camera. Not having pictures while pregnant is one of the biggest regrets I've heard from moms.

AFM - No news is good news, right? I had my first prenatal class at the hospital this week, but I sort of had a filter on what I was hearing, because I am trying to stick to the calm, happy, natural childbirth messages from my hypnobirthing class (I've done enough reading to know about possible complications and interventions, so that I can make informed decisions). I'm not in la-la-land, but I'm also doing everything I can to be positive about birth. I'm so excited that I can't wait to hurry up and DO IT (once baby is full-term, of course). Regular appointment with my general GP tomorrow.

[r6bikerchick]

Oh, and yes, I have heard of taking EPO as a way to encourage labour, but I don't know the dosage. I've also heard that Red Raspberry Leaf Tea is a good uterine tonic - I'm drinking a "Third Trimester Tea" that contains small amounts, and I'll switch to full-strength RRLT around 36-37 weeks.

Other "natural" induction techniques include taking 1 tbsp of castor oil (with orange juice), stimulating your nipples (either manually or with a breast pump) or DTD where DH makes a "deposit" near the cervix (no delicate way to put that, is there?).

[debraanne6]

Hi Girls!

Sassy - I just read your ticker! 40 weeks and 5 days! Wow, seriously anytime now! That must be such a crazy feeling! I think when I get to that point, every little twinge I feel I will be convinced it's labor!!! lol

Carolina - HI! Your so close! I'm sorry your in pain today! Sometimes I feel so swollen down there, and I know it's only going to get worse as time goes by! The only relief I felt was taking a bath.

Jen- Maybe you can ask a friend to take some maternity shots for you. The only reason I did them was because our friend offered for free. She still hasn't sent them to me, but it's only been a couple of days. Yay for being off work!!!! I'm planning on taking off a couple of weeks before my expected delivery. So far I havn't been to uncomfortable at work, although yesterday was pretty rough. I have a desk job, and by the end of the day my rib area in front and back is killing me! I have to go home and strech out with my pregnancy pilates DVD ( I rarely do the excercises, I skip straight to the flexiblilty / streching part!) Other than that the only relief I feel is just to lay down.

R6- That deposit comment made me laugh!!! Have fun at your classes, I was happy me and DH went to ours.

As for me - Nothing new to report. Just feeling a little bit bigger each day! lol

[Jen0653]

Carolina - I don't really know anything about EPO, but in my class they were discussing "natural" remedies for inducing labor and mentioned that some may cause hemoraging. I have no idea if this is one of those that may, but make sure to research before you take anything just in case. Hopefully it's soon for you though!

Deb - Have you ever tried yoga? I used to love it before I got pregnant, and have even bought a prenatal yoga video, but yet to try it out! It's really more about stretching and breathing than anything. Now I need to take my own advice and go try out my video!

I'm thinking about talking to DH about pics tonight. I know in reality we have time, and I'm not so huge that I'm super uncomfortable still. My brother graduates and has his party this weekend, next weekend is my DH's diaper party along with a few other grad parties, hospital tour and Father's Day and my sister is getting married in 2 weeks, and I'm her maid of honor. DH is still working and I would want him to be in pictures as well, but I'm thinking we just need to figure out a week night to do it all. I can't wait for the wedding to be over, then there is nothing to do but wait for Kelsey's arrival!

[sassycassie1984]

Jude Declan Worley made his way into the world at 10:13 pm on June 8, 2011! He weighed 6 lbs and measured 20 inches! Soooo not a big baby at all! He's so tiny and absolutely perfect (if he'd start eating instead of falling asleep on the boob that is! lol).

We had an AMAZING birth story. Completely unbelievable if I hadn't lived it myself!

[praises1139]

Sassy---you had him???? Omg congrats!!!. Can't wait to hear the story

[EJ1008]

Sassy - I just posted on your other thread. Congrats! And what a story!

Jen - You certainly have a lot going on right now. At least you only have one day left of work. Woo hoo! I took both a childbirth class and a breastfeeding class. Found both of them helpful, but not sure how much I will remember. For the breastfeeding class, I left the class with the feeling that it is something I can do, but it's also probably the first thing baby and me will learn how to do together. Not sure if that makes sense. It was a confidence builder. Hee...you're taller than me, so that makes you tall to me. :)

Carolina - I hope you're really close to giving birth now. Maybe your pains are a precursor? I've heard of using Evening Primrose to induce labor, but don't know anything about it.

Landb - CONGRATS on making the third trimester! What a great milestone! You're doing a great job, mama.

r6 - Hope you have a great appointment tomorrow. I'm glad baby was awake to keep you company in the wee hours this morning. You'll probably have many more of those nights once he's here.

debra - I had horrible back pain from 21 to about 32-33 weeks. Since then, it's gotten a LOT better. I think baby shifted. Hopefully your baby shifts, too. I used to do pilates and yoga, too, but haven't done either with this pregnancy. I think any stretching exercise would be beneficial. I had a prenatal masssage around 29 weeks, and the massage therapist recommended that I get an exercise ball and do a rotation exercise on it. Then, when I took my childbirth class the next week, they rec'd using the exercise ball to loosen up your hips for labor -- and then of course, you can use it in labor. I don't sit on it as much as I'd like, but when I do, it really helps.

AFM - Hanging in here. Had a planned NST on Tuesday, which went well. And then had an unplanned one today because Baby was being pokey again. He woke up and passed the NST with flying colors. I have another planned NST on Tuesday. I'm getting the planned ones due to AMA, but I'm glad I'm getting them so frequently since he's a little stinker. But I love him!

Our weather has been super weird this week. First we had the hottest temps since 2006 (nearly 100). Last night and this a.m., it stormed. And now it's in the 50s. I'm not a fan of the hot temps while being pregnant, but 50 is too cold!

[bethers]

yay congrats cassie!!!


i just posted my birth story too!

[r6bikerchick]

Deb - No news is good news! Glad all is well with you.

Jen - I definitely think you should do a weeknight - DH and I did our photos on a Wednesday night, and even though we were at two locations (downtown in the city and then back to our house in the suburbs), it was still only two hours and we got over 200 images.

Sassy - What an AWESOME birth story! I hope that mine is pretty much just like yours (although maybe now I will know not to go the bathroom). :)

EJ - Glad baby is passing the NSTs...it must be a relief to be checking on him so often. I still haven't had to go in yet, but I'm thinking it's going to happen at least once before the end of this pregnancy.

Bethers - Congrats again!

AFM - Appointment was fine, although I was surprised that the baby's heartrate was only 128 - it's normally ~140. Doctor assured me that it's still totally in the normal acceptable range (120-160) and that he was probably just sleepy. I will be keeping a close eye on the movement today - anything out of the ordinary is a bit disconcerting. My blood pressure seems to be slowly on its way up (110/70 today) and my weight is still going up (and up, and up...I hope it slows down) - sigh. But I'm still feeling great, no swelling, I'm keeping active, and fundal height is pretty well bang on for dates. I think it's crazy that Bub is ~4 lbs now and could be double that by the end!

[Carolinagirl]

praises-thank you for the information!

r6-glad your appt went well! Hope your little guy is bouncing up a storm for you! Yea, I'm trying all those natural ways...nothing seems to be working. I guess this little guy is just snug as a bug in there. lol....gotta laugh from crying. :)

jen-was dh onboard with doing pictures?

debra-hi! glad everything is going well.

sassy-congratulations again! welcome to mommyhood!

Ej-hope your little boy has been cooperating for you this week. I woke up worried this morning but luckily after a donut he started bouncing away just long enough to get my counts. Now he is back to being quiet.

afm-I started taking the Evening Primrose Oil friday night, twice a day. I hope its doing something. I guess I'll find out Monday at my appt.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

[EJ1008]

r6 - During my NSTs, Baby's heartrate is usually between 125-160. They haven't been concerned about this range at all. You must have just heard him at a sleepy moment. Believe me, I know the worry about movement. Thankfully, my practice encourages me to call when I'm worried and gets me in right away. I keep gaining weight, too. I think I"m up 37 lbs now. It's partly my fault because I plan my sugary treats so that I can get my kick counts in.

Carolina - How are you doing? I hope the EPO gets things started for you and you won't need the appointment on Monday. Any second now...

AFM - Got a pedicure today. Told Baby that now that I have pretty nails, he can come. He missed my dad's birthday yesterday, so I guess he won't have to share his special day. Though tomorrow is my parents' 40th anniversary. I hope he's moving down because I have been peeing even more than what was already a lot.

[wendy_MBA]

sassycassie1984-Congrat's! I am so happy for you:)!

bethers-Congrat's to you as well:)! I can't wait to read both of your birth stories!

r6bikerchick-Glad to hear everything is going well!

Jen0653-Planning my pictures as well. My parents will probably take one of me, DH and our furbaby (11 year old rescue lab/german shephard mix). I'll probably choose a sunny day and a flattering black, jersey dress:). Once in a lifetime opportunity and want to get some good photos:)!

AFM-Had my first of two birthing classes. DH was so supportive! Learned so much. I think I've decided, based on the class, that I may try to go natural as possible until I can't handle it...then ask for an epidural. Not sure...but I'll just keep my options open and not committ to either way.

[landbttc]

Carolina- I'm dying to know how your appt goes and if your little bean is FINALLY ready to come on out!

Cassie & Bethers- CONGRATULATIONS MOMMIES!!! I can't wait to get over there and read your birth stories. Isn't it amazing to think about how worried we all were that we weren't going to get pregnant, shed tears and were beyond depressed. Now look @ the two of you holding your sweet babies in your arms!!

AFM- DH is home from the middle east and is coming to see me today!!! I'm so stinkin excited!! On top of that- I hit a HUGE goal of 28 weeks today..... my little bumpkins are STILL eggplants though. I mean, really? This is now 3-4 weeks. I'm gonna freak out when I hit a new form of produce! So blessed to still be preggers!

[Jen0653]

Land - How wonderful that you get to see DH!!!! And congrats on making it this far! :)

EJ - I totally understand what you mean about you and baby learning together to breastfeed. I'm pretty sure I'm signing up for the class too, if only for the reassurance that I can do it!

r6 - I've wondered about the heartrate too at my appointments. It originally started off in the 150's then went down as she got bigger. It's started going up again, but she's also very active at appointments now (kicked the doctor while he was finding her hb at the last appt). I'm thinking she just awake now and that's why it's higher. Maybe your LO is just sleeping now and that's why it's lower. It's still within normal ranges though.

Carolina - Any new developments?

Bethers - Congrats!!!!

Wendy - Glad the classes are going well. I'm pretty much decided that I'm open to seeing how things go during delivery too. I feel like if I have a plan, and things go in another direction, I don't want to be upset. I'd rather just have my opinions known and go with it. Hopefully it works!

I so need to make a list of all the things I need to do! I hate feeling so unorganized!!! And I'm still waiting for that "nesting" instinct to kick in, now that I'm done working, I just feel like laying around all day. DH always asks when he gets home too, "what did you get done today?"

[r6bikerchick]

Carolina - Hope you either have a good appointment or a good birth story to tell us about today!

EJ - Thanks for the reassurance. I know that all of you ladies know what the worrying is like. I definitely sometimes eat even when I'm not hungry just to get the baby going. I have a feeling I will be up 45-50 pounds by the end of the pregnancy - I'm hoping the weight gain stops in weeks 36-40!

Wendy - I'm glad that your DH was so supportive. Mine hasn't been able to come to my classes yet (he's working out of town) and I really miss having him there. I'm curious to see how receptive he will be to helping me with my Hypnobirthing homework.

LandB - Congrats on 28 weeks! And SUPER CONGRATS that DH is home! (Although I'm guessing you're probably on pelvic rest...lol).

Jen - I know what you mean about not wanting to be disappointed if things deviate from a formal birth plan, and yet still having certain preferences.

AFM - I went to an infant massage class on the weekend. Even though I don't have a baby to practice the techniques on yet (I learned on a teddy bear), I am really excited. I did get to watch a mom learn with her four-month-old son, Patrick (he was a CUTIE and really well-behaved - hope I haven't set myself up with unrealistic expectations!).

I also had my second Hypnobirthing class and I am trying to remember to practice the breathing techniques. We'll see how DH feels about helping with the homework this week (he is supposed to read a relaxation script to me, and we each have to write down our fears about the birthing process so that we can do what we can now to work through them).

[Carolinagirl]

EJ-I hope you enjoyed your pedi! I know I did mine a couple of weeks ago. How are you feeling?

wendy-glad you had a good class! That is such a great attitude to have, I hope your able to make it far in your labor w/o drugs. You can do it! :)

land-yay! I know you are soooo excited to see dh! What time are you expecting him?

Jen-aww, don't worry it'll kick in! It's alot of work baking baby, so rest as much as you need too. :)

R6-have fun at your class! Hopefully dh will surprise you at class this week and will be really supportive! :)

afm-I have made absolutely no progress since last week! I absolutely can't believe it. I've tried every natural process I know, I guess it really does hold true that every pregnancy is different. I just thought with it being my 2nd pregnancy things would progress quicker. Anyways, the dr decided to go ahead and induce me. So I go in Wednesday morning at 7:30am. Praying everything goes smoothly with the induction. I'm a lot nervous but so excited to meet my little man!

[praises1139]

land--so excited for you that DH is home safe and you get to see each other!!!!! omg that is awesome!
i hope your eggplants sprout into something else soon!!

[sassycassie1984]

Update: After being released Friday night to go home we had a good first night other than Jude not wanting to get off the boob and getting fussy with latching and me not having anything much yet. By Saturday night he had only had one wet and dirty diaper in one that morning, so we called the ped's office. The answering service sent us to the hospital. We've been here ever since :( He was really dehydrated from my lack of supply (Thanks, PCOS... I'm not one of the lucky gals who manages to have a good supply). He's been poked & prodded, given a spinal tap to check for infections, a catheter to collect a urine sample, and a chest x-ray. So far everything indicates a possible UTI and dehydration from my lack of supply. I feel AWFUL. Right now I'm pumping whatever I can (which is a whole lot of nothing for the most part) and supplementing with formula. Since we started supplementation with formula he's perked up quite a bit. He's been having pee and poop dipes like a champ.

We should be going home tomorrow, pending the results of the 2nd reading of his blood-work. He's such a little trooper.

I hope that pumping will work out for us and that eventually he will start feeding from me again but he has to eat. He got down to 5.3 lbs so yeah... DH and I have been a wreck all weekend.

Wishing you all the best in the remainder of your pregnancies!

[lmaguire]

land - SO happy for you that DH is home to be with you!! Your bump is amazing! You're doing such a great job! Keep baking those eggplants! lol - you'll get to move on to I think squash or melon, or whatever it is soon! haha

sassy - aw, poor Jude (and you and DH). Glad to hear that he's doing better now. Thoughts and prayers to you guys that you get to go home tomorrow and your supply comes in soon!

[EJ1008]

wendy - Hi! I was just thinking of you the other day, wondering how you were doing. It's good to keep an open mind. My goal is to safely deliver my baby -- however that ends up happening.

land - How exciting that DH is home. Do you know how long he'll be home? Once you hit 27 weeks, you're stuck on your fruit/veggie for three weeks at a time. Growth is slowing down, but believe me, there is still a lot more growing to do. Can't imagine having three.

Jen - I definitely am much more on the lazy side than the nesting side. I figure I can use all of the rest that I can get. My house is still a mess, but I'll deal with it. If your DH asks you what you've done during the day, tell him you're growing a baby. That's my standard response to my laziness. It's a lot work!

r6 - You're welcome. Infant massage sounds like a great class. I know my hopsital offers it. Hope your hypobirthing homework goes well. It's good to bring DH into the process, especially since I know he can't always be with you.

Carolina - Glad to hear you have an end in sight! I hope everything goes smoothly on Wednesday. Can't wait to hear your birth story.

sassy - I'm so sorry you've had such an ordeal with Jude. You're a great mom, and made sure that he could get help. Glad he's doing better and hope you get to go home as scheduled tomorrow. Have you met with a lacation consultant?

AFM - I was so miserable yesterday, I could have cried. I was peeing every 10 to 30 minutes. Today was better, thankfully. I don't think I've had many contractions lately. Had a lot more a week ago. Not sure if I'll get an internal check at my appointment tomorrow. I'm starting to get impatient, though I know technically I have just under 2 weeks to go.

[Jen0653]

r6 - That sounds like a good plan to discuss things with DH beforehand, hope it goes well!

Sassy - I'm glad things have turned around for Jude. Must have been scary, but formula is there for that reason. Hopefully you can start feeding breastmilk exclusively soon.

Carolina - Good luck tomorrow!

EJ - Not too much longer now! I've tried telling DH "I'm growing a baby" and his response is always "If I could do it, I would" Always has a smart comment!

Had a crazy night last night. Had ice cream after dinner, and Kelsey went crazy for over an hour. Don't get me wrong, I love that she's so active (it's the best reassurance). But I was ready for bed and she wouldn't calm down. DH usually puts his hand on my belly and she'll calm down, and it wasn't happening! He thought it was funny. Needless to say, no more ice cream at bedtime for me for the next few weeks!

[landbttc]

Had a WONDERFUL night sleeping next to DH last night! I'm so happy he's home. Except it was weird this time not being able to have serious reunion sex. Poor guy. My hormones were fine w/ it but it's got to be hard to think about how long it's been (since before 20 week cerclage) and how long it's going to be.... (a couple months after babies make their appearance!) YIKES! It kind of scares me too to be honest. Mama needs lovin too! Haha. So babies are pretty darn good size for 28 weeks:
Baby A- 2lb 7oz
Baby B- 2lb 10oz
Baby C- THREE lbs... tank!!!

We feel so fortunate. Now everyone (my parents and siblings) needs to shut their mouth about how much I eat... I'm obviously doing something right!

[r6bikerchick]

Carolina - G/L with the induction, although I'm crossing my fingers that your labour starts on its own before 7:30am! Either way, I guess you were right when you said 40 weeks was going to be your last picture!

Sassy - Sorry to hear about your breastfeeding woes so early, but I'm glad to hear that Jude is on track now, even if he needs supplementing. Hoping your supply picks up soon! Maybe your alveoli (or whatever the milk-making parts are) were as surprised by your speedy birth as the rest of us and haven't gotten up to speed just yet!

EJ - Sorry to hear that you are dealing with the "delights" of late pregnancy. Let's hope your little guy makes an entry sooner as opposed to later.

Jen - I keep wondering when baby is going to be active enough to keep me up...

...last night I had the opposite problem. I had an unusually busy evening (worked late and then attended a LLL meeting) and there was either no movement or I just didn't notice because I was so busy. I also didn't feel any movement as I was settling in to sleep (normally I feel the baby moving when I lie still as I am falling asleep). When I got up for my midnight snack (it's becoming a regular occurrence that I can't sleep through the night without at least a glass of milk or something more substantial - no wonder the pounds keep piling on!) I thought for sure that I would feel the baby, but I didn't. So, then of course I couldn't sleep and I ended up staying awake for nearly three hours to try to do my kick counts (1-4am). When I didn't get anything by 4am I went to the case room in the hospital for a scan.

I got to the hospital ~4:30am (great parking - I will keep that in mind when I am in labour!) and the nurses were really great about doing an NST. Of course, as soon as they strapped the monitor onto my belly, he started kicking it. I was so relieved that I cried. At that point it had been over 12 hours since I was sure I had felt movement. I wouldn't have waited that long except for the fact that I was asleep for part of the night.

He's still being pretty quiet today, but I'm starting to think that he may have turned to face inwards and I'm am not picking up the sensation of him kicking my innards as well as I was picking up the outward movements. Anyway, thank goodness all is well. I was worried that they were going to find out that he was in distress and then I'd need an emergency c-section, and my husband isn't back from work until tomorrow.

Phew!

[r6bikerchick]

Land - Wow, if my math is right, that is EIGHT POUNDS, 1 OUNCE of baby already! Way to go momma. I hope you meant people are giving you a hard time about not eating enough, and not about eating too much. If it's the former, obviously you are doing just fine, if it's the latter, they have no business telling a pregnant woman she is eating too much for FOUR!

As for the love life, hopefully you and DH will at least be able to "satisfy" each other in different ways - maybe not till babies are born, but at least sooner than you will be able to DTD.

[Pinkturtledove]

Sassy - I sent you a PM.

Hi girls, I am keeping up with you, its just hard to respond with the baby needing something most of the time. DH goes back to work tomorrow, luckily he will work from home the rest of this week but I wont be able to have him help me like he is now. Let me tell you, get your sleep now! I really rolled my eyes when people would tell me that, but I only sleep like an hour at a time - if I am lucky. Sometimes after Christopher's 4-ish am feeding he'll sleep a good 3 hours though and in the afternoon I have to lay down when he does to function! So sleep now while you can! :p Other than the lack of sleep we are doing pretty good and motherhood is amazing. I can't wait for you all to be in it too!

[praises1139]

land--i agree with r6..NO ONE should be telling you what to do, missy!!! (except your Doc) they should be rubbing your feet and feeding you grapes by now! haha

[EJ1008]

Carolina - Happy baby day! I've been thinking about you...you'll be holding your little boy very soon (if not already).

Jen - You can retort back "But you can't!" My DH accepts my "growing a baby" response when I ask him to do certain things. Sounds like Kelsey really liked the ice cream. If I could eat nothing but ice cream right now, I would, so I can relate to her.

landb - So glad your DH is home. Your babies are doing great -- great weights!

r6 - What relief that baby woke up once you got on the monitor. Mine usually does the same thing. I hope you have no more scares.

Pink - Sounds like everything is going well. Can't wait to join you very soon. Sleep deprieved and all.

AFM - My appointment went well yesterday. Baby easily passed the NST -- yay! I'm still measuring on target. So all we do now is wait. They will check me at 39 weeks. They offered to check me yesterday, but I declined. I finally asked how long they will let me go before they will induce (I've been afraid of the answer). 41 weeks. They prefer to let nature take its course. I agree, but 41 weeks is July 2 -- 4th of July weekend. Hoping he comes on his own in JUNE like he's supposed to. I was already scheduled for next Monday and added an appointment for 2 days after my due date. I felt really crappy last night, with back pain in a new place. But feeling better today.

[debraanne6]

Hi Girls!

I feel like I have missed so much! Sorry to those I don't give personals too, I will try to catch up another time! My sister and niece have been visiting and it's been great! She is here to help throw my shower on Sat. I'm so excited. And it's such a blast having my 15 month old niece hang out!

Sassy - congrats mama! I'm sorry you have to bring your baby back to the hospital, I hope your supply comes in soon! But don't feel guilty if it doesn't! It's great you caught on so quickly that something was wrong. Thinking of you and your little one.

Land - Congrats to making it to 28 weeks, and that hubby is home!!!!!!!! Also, what do people expect? Your carrying 3 babies! I would think you would be like 3 times hungrier than us singletons!!!!! lol

R6 - sorry you had a scare. I'm glad the NST went well.

I have a question, are NST's just regular ultrasounds? I have another ultrasound schedualed for the end of this month, but noone has metioned me needing an NST. Just curious if this is standard practice for late in pregnancy to have one, or is it just for special circumstances? Am I just not far enough along to have one?

As For Me - My sister and niece visited my work on tuesday and we all caught the 24 hour bug that has been going around. I didn't think my co-workers were still contagious, since I have been fine (they all have passed it to one another, I really didn't think I should keep anyone away, i thought it was in the past, but boy was i wrong!) So that night my sister gets sick and starts throwing up. I felt fine until about 1:30 in the morning, I start getting sick, then my sister's baby got sick at 3am!!! I'm still feeling crappy, but havn't thrown up today. I was starting to get worried, because I couldn't really keep much down yesterday, not even water. So today I'm trying to get in lots of liquids. I lost 4 pounds! Not good! The Dr. said baby is fine, and he didn't seem to worried about anything. I happened to have an appt. schedualed for yesterday.

[EJ1008]

Debra - An NST (or non-stress test) is a non-invasive test that they can use to monitor the baby's heart rate and movement as well as your contractions. It's really only effective in the 3rd trimester and more accurate the further along you are. The nurse secures a doppler on your stomach to pick up the heart rate and then another circular device further up on your stomach to monitor your contractions. A computer graphs the heart rate and contractions. When I've had NSTs in the OB's office, they give me a buzzer to push each time I feel movement, and this is recorded in the graph as well. When I've done them in L&D, the machines are more sophisicated and record movement without me needing to do anything. Usually, an NST takes 20-30 minutes (though L&D has run the test longer than that). They want to see the baby's heartrate accelerate with movement. I think my OB wants to see 2 accelerations in 20 minutes. Sometimes they will also do an u/s in conjuction with the NST to check fluid level, but it's not necessarily a component of the test.

I get them because I'm over 35. Others here have gotten them because of GD or pre-e. This is also the test they use if you haven't felt movement in a while. You might not need one.

Hope you're feeling better!

[EJ1008]

So...I was watching the news tonight, and they had a story about home remedies for inducing labor. Evidentially, they don't work. At all. Labor requires baby to release some hormones to get it started.

Link (see the first story): http://www.wgntv.com/videobeta/44767e36-14ac-4a43-bb81-57b04a15a6d8/Health/Medical-Watch-Labor-anti-smoking-drug-warm-up

[Jen0653]

Land - So glad things are going well for you!

r6 - Glad everything turned out well with your NST! I know that for me, the different position baby is in, I feel things completely different. I always forget how far along you are, but the movements the past few weeks have been much stronger than before. I keep joking with DH that Kelsey used to kick and it felt like cute little flutters, then somehow turned into karate moves.

Pink - Enjoy that little boy! Rest while you can too, I've been told to get all I can right now from lots of people!!!

EJ - Sounds like you are next! Hopefully it's soon too. I know what you mean about the date baby decides to make their entrance! Everyone has their "guess" and for strange reasons. I keep saying that I don't want a 4th of July baby, but DH says that we would just tell her that the fireworks are just for her every year. LOL In my childbirth class, they talked about why you go into labor and it was similar to what you said. DH read that baby has to release hormones, and the teacher told us that there is a specific ratio of 2 hormones in your body when you go into labor. Nothing you can really control, which is frusterating!

Deb - Sick is no fun, and I can't imagine being sick now! Hopefully it passes really soon, and your feeling better for your shower. This Saturday? I've been considered "low risk" throughout my pregnancy, so I haven't been in for lots of u/s and tests. It's good, but I haven't seen baby much either. I had an u/s just before 6 weeks with the RE before they graduated me, one at 8 weeks with my OB that we pushed for dating purposes and then the one at 18 1/2 weeks that's standard. I paid for a 4d one with an outside company, but that was just for us, no medical relevance. I won't have any more monitoring either, I asked. Everyone is different though and so is every doctor. You can always ask what to expect too.

It's officially one month until my due date!!! Seems like time is going by very quickly right now too. I know it's just because I have so much to do though. DH is having his diaper party Saturday, and hopefully we end up with an array of sizes. Anything will help of course, but that's really all we have left to buy with the exception of a few minor things. My little sister is getting married in one week too, and there's still lots to do in preperation for that day. Had a checkup on Wednesday too. They are running the strep B test and doctor checked me. I'm already 75% effaced but not dialated at all. Apparently first time moms will efface first, but it seems like quite a bit this early to me. Baby is also "in position" and much lower than she was last week. Explains the hip pains, uncomfortable feelings, more trips to the bathroom and increased movements I've been feeling though! Doctor told me that he wouldn't put money on it, but he thinks I won't make it to my due date. Made me happy to hear! I joked that I just have to make it until after the wedding!

[sleepydragon93]

Sorry to crash your thread but I lurk and read. I had to comment on the fireworks thing. My birthday is September 3rd and there is a HUGE labor day celebration here complete with fireworks. It's one of the biggest events in Cincinnati. For most of my childhood, I thought they were for my birthday and it was called labor day because my Mom went into labor around then. I'm not sure if someone told me that or if I made it up but I believed it for way longer than I should have. LOL! It is nice to have fireworks every year for my birthday though! :D

[praises1139]

Land--when you get to 29 weeks, that's when your veggie will change, so you're very close!!!..here's the list:
http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-tools/articles/how-big-is-baby.aspx

[r6bikerchick]

EJ - Thanks, I hope I don't have any more scares either! If anything, I think it helped to reassure me that time CAN pass without me feeling movements and everything is still okay...not that that will keep me from going if I get worried again in the future. The staff were wonderful and I didn't feel silly at all for going in.

As for whether labour induction techniques are a bunch of hooey...I'll just hope that baby shows up on or before his due date and if not, I'll give them the old college try anyway.

Deb - I think EJ explained the NST very well. As she said, it's unlikely that you will have one, and no, the NST itself does not include an u/s, although they will sometimes do both tests. Hope you're feeling better now - being sick in the third tri does NOT sound pleasant.

Jen - You're right, it feels different when baby is turned inwards and kicking my internal organs vs kicking out at my belly. I am 34 weeks, so just a little less than two weeks behind you. I hope my doctor tells me that I am not going to make it all the way to 40 weeks...time is going SO SLOWLY! But I can't have the baby until after July 13th, because my DH is out of town until then.

Looking forward to meeting Kelsey in the next four weeks!

AFM - Nothing new to report. Hubby is home, and it's great to have him here. I'm a little bit nervous that he still has one more shift away (weeks 35-37). I'm also having a hard time thinking about when to stop working. I don't want to use vacation or maternity leave to stop working before the due date, but I also don't want to use temporary disability if I honestly feel fine (my doctor will write me a note for medical leave as soon as I say the word). But I guess if the mental stress of working after 37 weeks is getting to me, that might be reason enough to stop at that point...

[Tiffany1]

I have a question for you ladies that have already put together your nursery. Since my husband will be away until next summer, I'm trying to get mine done piece by piece since I'm not very fast at doing things. Anyway, I've been having a hard time deciding on a crib mattress. Which ones did you go with? I'll be buying mine off of amazon.com and have found a couple I like with good reviews, but there are so many options that it has me all confused. Thanks in advance!

[landbttc]

Tiffany- wish I could help but I got my mattresses at IKEA and they're specially made for the ikea cribs. Maybe this website could help you out....http://bestcribmattresses.net/

AFM- really this post was to do nothing but very selfishly celebrate the fact that I have a NEW VEGETABLE- GOOOOOO MEEEEEEEEE

[landbttc]

Tiffany- can't help w/ personal experience as my cribs are IKEA therefore we got IKEA mattresses due to them being special sized....
BUT... maybe this website could help a little? http://bestcribmattresses.net/

AFM- I really want to selfishly recognize my own self for graduating to a new vegetable....GOOOO MEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! ;)

[EJ1008]

Jen - Fe is a few days ahead of me. I haven't seen her post here in a while so maybe she already had her baby. How did your diaper party go? That is a great idea. I have some newborn, 1s and 2s ready to go. I want to buy more, but I also want to wait and see which brand works best for Baby. Hope the final preparations for your sister's wedding go well.

r6 - Hope you're having fun while DH is home. I am still working and currently planning to work up until the very end. It's hard, though. Not so much because I'm uncomfortable (which I sometimes am) but moreso because my mind is no longer focused on work. But since we only get 12 weeks of mat leave in the U.S., I refuse to take time off before the birth. It's also likely that I will not return to work, but just in case...I want all of my time off with baby.

Tiffany - We got a Moonlight Slumber mattress with dual support. It's a foam mattress that is firm on one side for infant and softer on the other side for toddler. It's extra snug in the crib, and that is important. I think this is the one we got: http://www.amazon.com/Starlight-Support-Firmness-Mattress-Protector/dp/B0051OWOQS/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1308627042&sr=8-11. Looks like there are some less expensive options for this brand.

AFM - Had an OB appointment today. NST went fine, though we had to wake him up. I am still at 3cm dialated, which is where I was at 37 weeks. Call me crazy, but I declined having my membranes stripped today. I think I want to give him a little more time to come on his own. I have an appointment scheduled next Monday when I will be 40w2d. If I make it to that appointment, they will schedule an induction. I'm feeling extra tired today, so I am hoping that my body is telling me to rest up. But I haven't had a decent contraction since Saturday (and it was just the one), so I think I might be in this for the long haul.

[Jen0653]

r6 - Work is a sticky situation. It's difficult to decide when to be done, and when to go back. Luckily it was kind of decided for me though. I work for a chld care that is part of a school district, and being off for the summer wasn't really an option for me this year. We usually stay open all summer, but we didn't have enough kids sign up to cover costs and decided to close. I'll go back at the beginning of September at the earliest (my boss would let me take a bit longer if needed) and Kelsey should be at least 7 weeks. I know it's super early, but the option of taking her to work with me is there, she would just be accross the hall from me. Not sure exactly what our plans are yet for childcare though. I'm really glad to be done though. I have a job that doesn't allow me to sit for long, and the toddlers that I worked with were pretty active!

EJ - I was wondering where you were! My mom told me the other day that with me she was dialated to 3 or 4 for 17 days before she went into labor, then the rest of her labor was really quick. It will happen, and hopefully soon for you.

Tiffany - We have a Serta of some sort, not really sure which one. We had issues with it fitting properly in the crib though. We assumed that mattresses were standard sizes! The first one we brought home left room all around for arms and legs to get stuck. We returned it and ended up getting the same brand, but the mattress was bigger. It was a problem with our crib though and others had the same issue. I would recommend going to the store to feel them even if you end up buying online and read the reviews from your crib (what others used and recommend) and other mattress reviews in your price range.

Went on the hospital tour Sunday, and DH keeps teasing that after the wedding on Friday we'll be in the hospital all weekend having the baby. He's got me a bit freaked out about it, just because I'm not really mentally ready. I did agree to have my bag packed and in the car by then though. No real signs of labor as far as I can tell. My hips are killing me though as I guessing she's moving down further each day, and the waddle is in full force. Diaper party went well, boys had fun and we got lots of 1's, 2's and 3's. We went out last night and picked up some Newborn diapers and a box of wipes. Fully stocked for a bit at least now. Now just a breastfeeding class tonight, doctor appointment Wednesday, rehearsal Thursday and Wedding Friday. Then I get to relax until the baby decides to arrive! ;)

[r6bikerchick]

Tiffany - Crib, crib mattress and baby monitor are the three "must-haves" for my nursery that I DON'T have yet (I'd love a glider and ottoman, but I just don't think it's in the budget), so I'm not much use to you. I am hoping to get an organic mattress - I saw one at BRU (it's probably on my registry) but I can't remember the brand. Probably either Sealy or Serta, but I can't tell you much else about it.

"Crazy" EJ (lol, I bit!) - Well, 12 weeks is at least more than the 6 weeks that I thought was standard in the US. It's surprising how neighbour countries like Canada and the US can be so different - we have 52 (or maybe it's 50?) weeks of parental leave available (the dad could choose to take the time if the mom didn't), and the same standards apply for adopted infants. Even if I stop working before the baby is born, I have the ability to get short-term disability (which is full salary) from my employer, as long as I have a note from my doctor (which he will give me whenever I say that I can't handle working anymore).

I don't think you're crazy for not having your membranes stipped. You're not quite overdue yet, and it sounds as though labours progress the most smoothly when baby decides the timing. I hope you don't make it to your next appointment!

Jen - It works out well that the decision to keep working was taken out of your hands. I hope you have an easy birth and a fast recovery so that you are ready to deal with active toddlers at 7 weeks!

I'm also glad to hear that the diaper party went well. I think my DH was disappointed that not many people showed up at his, but we do have more diapers (newborn to size 4, in a variety of brands) and wipes than we did before the party, so that's great. I can't remember who was worried about getting a mix of sizes, but I've heard that most stores are really good about exchanging unopened packages of diapers for a different size in the same brand, even without a receipt.

Hopefully baby will stay put until at least the weekend!

AFM - I AM enjoying having hubby home! He is pleased to hear that DTD and nipple stimulation are forms of natural labour induction and has promised to "help" next month. He is also willing to do the perineal massage (although I see that quickly devolving into DTD, lol) and he has been practicing Hypnobirthing relaxation scripts with me since he got to go to his first class with me on Sunday. He also came to a Newborn Care Class with me at the hospital last night, and tonight is the regular prenatal class at the hospital. I am going to get him to take a different route so that he can see the different ways to the hospital.

Doctor's appointment with my regular GP on Thursday, and one with my maternal GP next Wednesday. I'm curious to see if the maternal GP will start seeing me weekly, seeing as I will be at 36 weeks over the 4th of July weekend (1st of July weekend for us here). I'm also about due for the GBS test.

And, finally, I want to do a belly cast. I'm thinking that I can get the plastering materials that I need at Michael's. Has anyone else done this? Any tips for good results?

[Jen0653]

We just saw the belly cast kit last night at Babies R Us! LOL I don't plan on doing it, but I would look online and see if you can find any "tips". I knew someone else had talked about a diaper party!!! My DH went to one for a friend who had about 10 people show up and ended up with a pick-up truck bed full of diapers. We had more people at ours, but most of them brought the smaller packs. Like you said though, it's more than we had to begin with.

[praises1139]

no one's heard from Idarolyn?

[dawndalebout]

Hi ladies, well I'm happy to say I'm back (haven't been on in a while - AGAIN) and this time I'm able to move on over here into the 3rd Trimester! woohoo! How have all you ladies been? I've been doing pretty good, been experiencing some Braxton Hicks lately, and my hips and legs have been KILLING me. I already have back problems and I just wish I could take something for the pain.Tylenol doesn't even touch me, esp since I'm so used to taking meds for my back for years.My hips hurt so bad sometimes that I just want to cry and scream when I move, and I can barely move. It seems to be worse in the mornings and at night. Otherwise, things have been going good. Went to the doc on the 13th everything is great, I go again on the 27th to see her. However we STILL DONT KNOW the gender :( Which is SO fustrating! From past posts on here I had mentioned when I went in last month for the big u/s the tech was a "witch" and I could have known if it wasn't for her attitude that app was supposed to last about an hour and we were only in there for like 15-20mins, so my next u/s isn't until JULY 20th which totally stinks! It's not that I care which gender we have as long as he/she is healthy, but it's so darn fustrating trying to buy things. Nuetral is getting so tough these days even the yellow's and green's is either too "boyish or girlish" which makes it pretty tough. Anyways, otherwise things are great.. I have been debating on the name though..
DH really, really wants a Jr if it's a boy (which Im not very fond of at ALL) but, I was dumb and a long time ago I had promised him that if we had a boy first he could have his Jr which would be " Jason Douglas Dalebout Jr" (ehhh) and now I wish I hadn't promised him that. I know it would mean the world to him, esp since there's alot of "close Jr's" in his family but not an "actual real Jr" so it would be the first in his family. So.. he really wants a Jr.. we also came up with another boy name "Zachary Douglas Dalebout" which I LOVE that idea. But.. I know DH really wants a Jr.. should I go back on my word? Everytime I bring up using "Zachary" he gets all mad but hurt at the same time. I just don't like that name and I've always hated Jr's.. nothing bad, just not my cup of tea, yah know? What would you ladies do? Keep your word and if it was a boy go for the Jr to keep DH happy, or fight for the other name??
If it's a girl.. I've always loved the name Kaydence. And for the longest time if I had a girl I was going to name her "Kaydence Marie Dalebout" which I love. HOWEVER.. now there's a few things I'm debating about.. First, I love the name Kaydence, however DH's ex-gf well they have a son together (long story short his son's not in his life due to his ex being the way she is, and we just don't have the extra money to fight for custody, he's a damn good father but sadly hasn't seen his son in almost 2 years. He misses him dearly. Anyways his sons name now is "Aiden". And.. long story, but I dont like to think about his past, and sadly don't even like thinking about his son (in a weird way, not a bad way). but I love the name Kaydence, does that seem to "close" to the name "Aiden".. for some reason lately it makes me think so.. What do you think? Also the 2nd thing I'm debating is, my grandmother is practically my mother, her and dad raised me and her name is Edna. She now has dementia and I don't get to see her too often anymore. Well, because she means so much to me I was trying to think of a first name that would go with Edna as a middle name? I love the first name Kaydence, but "Kaydence Edna" just doesn't sound right! (oh ps Marie is my middle name and runs on my mothers side and that's why I was going to use Kaydence Marie originally). I've tried looking into other names too as I'm open to suggestions, but can't seem to find one that actually goes with "Edna". What do you ladies think? What do you all think about everything? Sorry I wrote so much, have alot of my mind these days!

[praises1139]

dawn---glad to see you're doing ok! if i couldn't find out the sexes of these twins i think i'd spaz out! we have friends throwing their baby clothes at us and we don't even know what we're having yet.
kaydence does not remind me of aiden or vice versa. i like marie, that was my middle name before i got married. it does go better with kaydence than edna, but you also have the option of making up a name with edna in it. you could go with kaydence edina (pronounced eh-dee-na), which i think flows better together because it has an extra syllable, or just combine edna and marie somehow. like you said, kaydence has "ayden" in it and to me that is close enough to edna, although no one else would be able to recognize that. now if you want edna and are willing to give up kaydence, then i don't know what other names you like, so i can't help you there! i agree with you on the "jr" thing but i would be hesitant to break a promise too. is DH willing to compromise--name the baby after him but not call him jr? my parents didn't like jr, so they called my brother by his middle name. so he could go by Doug or JJ for jason jr? i don't know!

[ldarolyn]

I've been checking in Praises. Just been really busy and havent had time to really post or finally write my birth story.
We have had DH entire family (think 9 extra people) stay with us. Which was exhausting. Then my parents surprised us with a 2 day trip to see the kids. And we have been busy going to the zoo, park, children's museum and our DDs soccer tournaments and games.
Gianna is such a good baby, and both the kids have been doing great adjusting. They both want to help with everything. She has been sleeping good at night and usually does at least one 4hr and another 3-4hr sleep at night. Last night she was extra good and went 6 hrs!!!
We got Gianna's newborn pics taken but I am still waiting on the copyright CD to come in. Here is a link to the website, I hope it works. Otherwise I need to figure out how to post pics on here.
http://stitus.photobiz.com/cart/photo_detail.cfm?photoID=1277885&password=Gianna

[Jen0653]

Welcome Dawn! Names are difficult but it HAS to be something that you and DH agree on and can be happy with. It will be your child's name forever! DH and I never did agree on a boy's name - his first few choices I hated, and he hated my first few choices. We agreed on a girl's name right away. Something else to consider - my MIL was against having a jr, but my FIL wanted his son to be named after him. They ended up reversing the first and middle names. My DH has the same middle name as his father's first name. It only gets confusing because his grandma calls them both by their first and middle names all the time! LOL Good Luck with the names!

Ida, the pics are beautiful!!! Congrats!

[debraanne6]

Hi Girls -

Hope all is well. I've had a busy week with family! That bug that I caught quickly spread to pretty much everyone except my mom and husband! But other than that it was a really good time. I had mym baby shower on Sat. and I got soooooo many great things! I really don't need much else, my family and friends were so wonderful! I've been feeling pretty good too since I got over that nasty bug. Now it's back to the normal grind at work, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. My last day is July 15th, which gives me 3 weeks before the due date. I thought I might wait another week, but my husband said go for it, and take the extra week off. And I thought why not???? It's the last time I will get to enjoy some alone time and just take it easy.

So everything is going along nicely, we have the maternity tour tonight, so I will get to see where the little one will welcome the world!


EJ - Thank you for explaining the NST!!!

Jen - It sounds like you have a busy week ahead of yourself!!! Have fun at the wedding!

Dawn - Welcome back!

R6 - yay for hubby being home!

[dawndalebout]

praises1139- Yes it is definately driving me CRAZY not knowing the gender. People have been giving us tons and tons of clothes (mostly boy) and different things, plus I've been buying nuetral stuff but it'd be nice to throw in some pink or blue here and there. I get so damn fustrated when buying things because I hate having to go white,yellow or green. And even that is getting hard without being too boyish or too girlish. I dont care which gender we have as long as the baby's healthy but it'd be nice to know! Hopefuly we'll have a better tech on our next u/s next month so we can know I blame the tech we had before.She was one of them " if I'm miserable, I'm making everyone else miserable" type of people.. I even cried because when I asked her the gender all she said was oh, well I can't tell. Even though we could see BOTH legs and they were open, she just refused and was too lazy to look! I was SO mad but upset and crying at the same time, and she didn't even care! UGH I hate people like that, it's like you're in that career field, how can you make soon to be parents feel like that just because you're having a bad day.. ugh some people! Just gets my blood boiling thinking about it! haha!
Anyways, about the name.. I do love the name Kaydence, and.. chances are if it's a girl it will probably end up being named Kaydence Marie, however if you, or anyone else in here has any opinons for other first names for girls, with Edna as a middle name, shoot the names over to me, my mind is open! As for the Jr thing, DH and I talked about it before and sure enough he wants it to be EXACTLY "Jason Douglas Dalebout Jr" and he even said that " I " could call him Douglas if I wanted, but he insists on calling the little one Jr.. oh how I hate that name.. Junior.. dunno why but it aggrivates me.. and I dont want to call our kid JJ or anything.. the only thing that we "might" agree on if it's a boy is name it his stinkin Jr and call him Jas or Jace (pronounced Jayce).. but who know's! Men will be Men I guess! Why some men want their child to have the exact name is beyond me! Yes I can see to "carry on the family name" but ugh.. my onion, that's what last names are for! haha!

[Alwilki]

well I guess I'm officially in the 3rd tri now! Today I had some braxton-hicks for the first time and that was weird. It happened about 5 times. Last night I had some major swelling in my legs for no apparent reason so I called my midwife today and they had me come in and get checked to make sure...everything is ok so I'm glad I went and made sure cuz it was worrying me. I can't believe I'm already in the 3rd tri! I still have so much to do!

[karidpt]

Dawn, maybe tell him that the name should be mutually agreed on. Also throw in there that the baby is an individual and should have his own personal name that is unique to him and see if he budges.

I like Kaydence and dont think it sounds like Aiden..... Regarding Edna, could you maybe do her middle name instead of first name?

If not......
Just to throw out some quick ideas for Edna:
Emmerson Edna Dalebout (can call her Emmy)
Mallorie Edna Dalebout (can call her Mallie)
Harper Edna Dalebout

[praises1139]

Ida--oh! I didn't realize you had your baby, congrats! I missed it somehow. Glad everything is ok!
P.s. I just looked back through the threads, gonna add Gianna's birth info to the list. :)

[r6bikerchick]

Dawn - Welcome back! It would be tough to not know the gender. I completely understand that some people choose not to find out (i.e. Deb!), but I think it would be tough if you WANTED to know and couldn't. I even told DH that I was glad that we knew because I think it would be hard for me to "connect" with my baby if I was unsure about boy or girl.

As for names, hopefully it's a sign that you are having a girl! I don't think that Kaydence is anything like Aiden, so that's fine. And sure, it might sound silly, but I wouldn't want my baby's name to remind me of my DH's ex, either. As for a boy, I don't really get why men want to give their sons the same first name. My husband has a nice first name (same as my brother, actually) but I think it would be overkill to name our son the same thing. My father's middle name is my grandfather's first name, and my brother's middle name is my father's first name. But it sounds like your husband isn't open to the idea of Jason as a middle name. Good luck! Maybe inspiration will strike you both when you actually meet the baby for the very first time. Even though we have a very short list of names to choose from, we are holding off on picking the final name until we actually see the baby in person.

Praises - Why would your middle name change with marriage?? I'm thinking maybe it has something to do with Spanish naming conventions? For me, my first and middle names stayed the same, and I opted to change my last name (surname) to my husband's last name.

Ida - Wow, that is BUSY! But for someone who can go into labour after working a 16-hour day, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I'm glad that your other kids are wanting to help with the baby and that she has been so good.

Deb - Glad your shower went well. Your friends and family should talk to mine! I'm starting to think I'm only going to make it to 37 weeks (July 8th) before I stop working.

Alwilki - Welcome! Sheesh, I remember when you first got your BFP!

[praises1139]

r6--well my dad's side is puerto rican, but we dont use two last names. i made my maiden name my middle name when i got married because i was more emotionally attached to it than my middle name. i didn't want to do a hyphen or have two last names. my SIL thinks it's weird to do that but to each her own. :) i heard it was a Southern thing, but i'm not Southern, although i do live in the South.

[fe_bengan]

hi ladies, I am still hoverin g around 40 weeks and 3 days now so hoping for some baby action soon. just resting up and trying to enjoy not having a little one round, but def ready for her arrival now so will keep you all posted.

welcome to all the new ladies on here!!!!!!!!!!!!:)

[EJ1008]

Hi everyone! Elijah Thomas was born on Tuesday, June 21 at 8:41 p.m. Eli, as we're calling him, is 8 pounds, 2 ounces, 20 inches long. He's just perfect in every way.

I went into labor early Tuesday morning (around 2:30 a.m.) and had contractions every 5-6 minutes by 6 a.m. so we headed to the hospital. While my labor progressed very well, I stalled out at 9 cm dialated. Also had a fever that wasn't going down and baby's heart rate was decelerating (SP?) with contractions. Doctor decided to do a C-section, which was a very good call. While Eli was head down, he was facing the wrong way. I could have pushed for hours and ended up with a C-section anyway. Am very glad the doctor spared me from that.

Also...since he's a June baby, I have a crazy birth story too. Eli was born in the middle of a tremendous thunderstorm with hurricane-force winds. Hospital lost power during my C-section. Eli was born, but I was still open and on the table when the OR went pitch black. The generator kicked on 5 to 10 seconds later but it was kinda scary.

I'll write more when we're home and add photos.

[r6bikerchick]

Praises - That is unusual (i.e. uncommon) but not weird. To each her own!

Fe - Hope your little girl makes an entrance soon!

EJ - CONGRATULATIONS!! After all of the scans and worries, I am so excited to "meet" Eli! And yes, that would be very scary to have the lights go out while you're lying in the OR! Looking forward to the rest of your birth story later.

[dawndalebout]

GUESS WHAT LADIES!!!!!!!!! ITS A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :)
Yesterday I had some very sharp pains didn't know if it was braxton hicks or real contractions or what but they were really hurting, plus I had been vomiting a few times.In the evening it got worse so DH said to go to hospital to make sure everything's okay.Well thankfully it is, and it's nothing serious. I guess the doc said that our little one is QUITE the mover and kicker and he could see,hear and feel how hard she was kicking and he said that sometimes when the baby moves so hard like that it can pull ligaments in the uterus, which causes sharp pains. At least it's nothing serious and I was soo oworried I was going into labor early, I didnt want that to happen. I dont want to see my baby born this early and hooked up to machines or something go wrong. He said everything's fine, and baby's great but that when she kicks real hard like she's been to just relax and lay down or sit with feet up to relax the muscles in my uterus so it doesn't hurt the mucles more. All the nurses and doc (it wasn't my doc it was the ER on call OB doc who was very nice and seemed knowledgable!) they all kept asking about the gender and we kept telling them we didn't know and how it's been fustrating not knowing, well DH kept hinting several times about how nice it'd be to know...well.. that doc was nice, and he told us :) he said he wouldn't bet his "life" on it but he said high 80% chance it's a girl.. head down, legs open he said he most definately thinks it's a little girl :) so.. THANKFULLY everything's okay with me, the baby AND know we know what we're having!!! YAY!!!! A little girl!!! Now I can actually go out and buy stuff that's not green,yellow and white! haha :)

[praises1139]

EJ---congrats!!!! glad you are all ok!!!!!

dawn--yay, glad you finally found out and that she won't be a Jr!!!!!!!! hahaha

[sassycassie1984]

EJ- congrats! Glad everything turned out okay after the power going out and everything! What is it with these June babies?!

[dawndalebout]

Haha.. yeah now DH and I won't have to argue about the whole "jr" thing since it's going to be a little girl :) Now I keep debating how I want to spell her name! Orginally I was thinking "Kaydence Marie" but now I'm debating how to spell it.. Should it be Kaydence,Kadence,Caydence or Cadence.. Now I'm starting to lean tward the spelling of "Caydence" but.. still not sure.. any suggestions?

[Carolinagirl]

EJ-Congratulations!! Welcome baby Eli!! :)

[debraanne6]

ej- CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!! Wow what a birth story! I couldn't imagine being on the table and the pwer going out! You will always have a great story! Sounds like things went very smoothly, your Dr.s made the right call!

Dawn - yay for team pink, I'm glad you finally got to hear what the sex is!

[landbttc]

EJ- CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! LOVE the name!!! :)

Okay- So despite being incredibly uncomfortable toting around these 3 little ones, I've found that the past few days I've been unusually calm/happy & have grown ridiculously attached to them. Has anyone else felt this way? A few weeks ago I was thinking "Oh man, I don't think I can hold these babies much longer".... I feel like I've crossed this bridge of huge milestone weeks now where I'm all geared up to keep going, but above all else... I kind of feel like, I'm not ready to let them go!! Maybe it's me thinking of how much safer they are in my belly & it's some motherly instinct/protection action going on, idk. Also a part of me wonders.... am I just being selfish and not ready to share them!? Particularly w/ my slightly over bearing MIL!!! :) I've just grown to know their personalities so much & I absolutely love when I feel them kick. Maybe I'm not ready to see them struggle in the outside world. Just really wondering if anyone else has found themselves growing super attached to having their little ones growing inside of them.

[MaryFaith]

congrats EJ.....I followed your story on the ivf board (I'm a silent supporter) and I'm so happy for you.....your son came in with a big bang-lol around my neighborhood we had trees on the roads

God bless!

[Tink]

land- I think it's common. I had PTL with both kids from 19w on and did 4 months bed rest w/ each. I think it's definitely an instinct to protect knowing they are safer in then out at that point. And not wanting to share is common too...this is the only time you are the only one caring for them. And as for your slightly over bearing MIL....be prepared for her to become more then "slightly". IDK what it is about having babies, but MIL's become even worse it seems...

[Jen0653]

EJ - Congrats!!!! I was wondering if anything had progressed for you and obviously it had! Crazy June babies though!

Dawn - Yeah for finding out the sex . . . finally! :)

Land - I've had those thoughts for sure!!! DH asked me the other day if I would miss my belly, and as uncomfortable as I have been at times, I know I will. There's part of me that can't wait to meet my little girl we waited so long for, and part of me that knows her staying put is still allowing me sleep and time to get things done! LOL I find it so neat that you can grow so attatched to someone that you've never actually met!

My little sister is getting married today! It's going to be a super long day, and I'm just hoping that I don't end up having a crazy June birth story and go into labor tonight! DH thinks it would be the best thing to be in the delivery room in his tux, but I keep telling Kelsey to wait a few more days at least. . . I've got things left to do before she gets here!

[jessicaileen]

EJ - CONGRATS!!!!!!! I'm SOOOO happy for you! Glad your finally holding your baby in your arms! Amazing how much your heart grows, isn't it? Enjoy every single minute! I was a huge supporter of yours on the IVF thread and am so happy that you have your fairy tale ending finally :) Much love.

land - I'm with Tink. I was very attached to my son being on bed rest and learning his personality through his movements. Although, I really wanted him to be out of my belly so that I could hold and kiss him. I can't even tell you how many times a day I just give him a hug and smooch him. I know one day he'll be saying to me, "Mom, stop it, let me go!" LOL But I'm enjoying every minute until then! And about the overbearing MIL: Mine is one too! It did get a lot worse when Camden was born - she wanted to stay for a week at our house with a newborn! I immediately shot that down! I'm not that comfortable with her as it is, let alone when I'm healing from a delivery and learning how to take care of a new baby. What is with MILs? LOL If you ever want to rant - I'll gladly listen. Been there, done that. Props to you for still cooking those babies - AMAZING!!!

[r6bikerchick]

Dawn - Congrats on the girl. Clearly the argument over "Jr" was a sign that it wasn't going to be a boy. I like the name with a "C". Keep in mind that the word "Cadence" is actually a "real" word (I'm not dictionary.com, but it's connected to the rhythm or tempo of something).

Landb - I am absolutely going to miss my belly and feeling the baby squirm, but I've been so ready since about 30 weeks to have him out because I actually worry more about risks on the inside (cord accident) than I do about risks on the outside (like SIDS). I'm sure that will change once he's born and I'll worry about him even more than I do now. So, long story short, I guess I don't share the same thoughts, even though I WILL miss being pregnant.

Jen - I'm thinking Kelsey will enjoy her "home" for another week or two. Maybe we need a betting pool, lol. Enjoy your sister's wedding!

AFM - Well, had my last swim workout with my team this week (we are off for the summer, otherwise I would have tried to keep going). I do want to keep up my activity, otherwise I think I'm going to balloon up in the last month more than I already have. Even with healthy eating and exercise, I've gained 40 pounds. All the more reason to keep my fitness level up so that I can get back at it and lose the weight after the baby is born!

Today is the first day that I think I can tell how the baby is positioned. My belly looks totally asymmetrical and it seems the baby is pushing his head out against my lower left side and has his bum up near my right ribs. He seems to be kind of sideways, with his back pressing out against my belly button, diagonally from lower left to upper right, with his hands and feet tucked in under my breastbone. So, he is head down, but not straight up and down...more of an oblique angle. Not sure if that makes sense.

[landbttc]

Thanks for the feedback, ladies!!! I've noticed that on a good day (physically feeling wise), I'm super attached..... on a bad day I'm like "okay, any day now" hahaha.... I'm still EXTREMELY thankful for each and EVERY day these babies are tucked away safely but boy is it getting ROUGH!!!!!! My best time of day is around 8 p.m. when I know that I can go to sleep soon & start a new day closer to babies! Plus, dr's gave me ambien to sleep... I'm not one to EVER recommend drugs but it's perfectly safe for pregnant moms and makes me sleep like an absolute baby. Anyone else taking this to help w/ the zzzz's???

[landbttc]

Forgot to ask about something else- anyone experiencing pain in the joints in their hands???? It's not AS bad now as the first day I felt it but it def. still hurts. It's not a numbing but when I bend my fingers it hurts like a mofo at each joint. I wonder if it has to do w/ a little bit of swelling. I don't feel like my hands are swollen out of the pregger-ordinary but the wedding rings haven't been on for months!

[Jen0653]

r6 - It was so neat to me too when I finally figured out how Kelsey was positioned. I wondered for so long which body part was pushing on what. At my last appointment, she was moving like crazy and my doctor confirmed where her feet and knees where. Now I push on her feet and she kicks back.

Land - Don't have either of the "problems" you were asking about, but it does make sense that swelling could be causing joint pain. I know all of your joints loosen a bit when your pregnant too, so it could be affecting your hands.

Made it through the wedding and Kelsey is still snug in my belly! The wedding was beautiful and there were lots of tears shed at the ceremony. It was a super long day though and near the end my ankles and feet were huge!!! It's been going on since then too, so I'm fighting the need to rest vs. I have things to get done urge. I think I've been having some mild contractions, but not sure if they are BH or the real thing. Nothing consistent at all though and they aren't really painful. I'm working on packing a hospital bag and getting all the last minute things done around the house now. Can't believe it could actually be any day now!

[praises1139]

land--i haven't had that yet but i heard it's common. my friend had to wear a wrist brace when she was pregnant because it really hurt. kinda sucked for her because she's a piano teacher.

[JessLav83]

Land: Im not preggo but I do take ambien to sleep, it is wonderful!! Im so happy you have been able to keep little ones in there!!

[rachelttc]

Hi 3rd trimester folks!

I have a question about names, and I thought this crowd would be the best place to ask. My DH and I have picked out first, middle, and last names for a girl, and first and last names for a boy, but we are stuck on the middle name for a boy. We do know that we want the middle name to start with a "D" to make the initials what we want (oh be sure you check that before you name your kid, btw, you don't want a CLT or COK or SHT or something!).

So boy's names that start with D, preferably 3 syllables, but that's not essential. We've already rejected: David, Daniel, Dan, Don, Derrick, Dallas, Damien, Dustin, Dakota, Dannon, Daryl, Darcy, Dennis, Denver, Dexter, Dwight, Dwayne, Dudley. Probably a few others I forgot. The only two we're still considering are Dule and Davis, but neither of us really like either one, we just don't DISLIKE them.

So I'm asking you all for suggestions. We seem to have rejected all the "standard" D names, so do you all know any D names that are a bit different, but not TOO different?

[Tink]

Rachel- it may help to have a first name to try and fit it to.

The only 3 syllable names I can think of is Dominic and Donovan. There's also Declan, which is becoming more popular.

[jlbroyles]

Land- I'm not one to take sleeping pills but when I was on bedrest I had to in order to get any sleep at all. In the hospital I definitely took it every night! Re: wrist pain. I have it worse now after baby is here than when I was preggo!

[praises1139]

rachel--try looking here
http://www.behindthename.com/nmg/masculine3.php

[SunshineDust]

land- I took Ambien every night in the hospital and it was a godsend!!! I would count down the minutes until the nurse would bring it to me. It was the only way I could sleep because I was so uncomfortable and I wasn't even as far as you are! Nothing beats an Ambien and a snoogle.

Also, my hands and wrists hurt like a b*#$%. I was told mine was from inflammation pushing on a nerve. I would wake up in so much pain...sometimes putting them under hot water helped. When I got my steroid shots for the babies' lungs the pain went away instantly. Apparently steroid injections are a treatment for carpal tunnel.

[landbttc]

Well Mother F***er!!!!!! I've already had the damn steroids shot, Judy!!!!! My dr. told me it had to do w/ swelling probably but honestly, I've seen some chicas up in my docs office w/ a lot chubbier little nubs than mine so I don't get it. And so Jil- you're telling me this crap is gonna last long after these babes are out!? What's up with the discomfort in my crotch area?? Anyone???? I can't explain it... okay this is gonna sound like I'm a psychotic freak but I think I just recently realized where a ladies' pee comes from.... in middle school they don't say "your pee hole is right HERE".... they say "urethra".... I wasn't THE best student so I'm sure when they said urethra I was logged out of that classroom session.... Anywho.... Since I can't see my lady parts anymore, the first two times I gave a pee sample, I peed all over my hand. Then I said to my sister "Dood, what's up with me peeing all over my hand now when I pee in a cup just b/c I can't see the cup??" She is 35 and actually admitted that in the past several years she finally found out where it was. FREAKS! So now I pee flawlessly..... wow, anyhow- I think now that I'm aware of where it is, I'm like over-wiping or something and maybe that's why my crotch feels all weird..... ANYONE else have just an overall discomfort/grossness feeling pretty much 24/7. It is not making bed rest easier.

....I Just had a feeling that I already posted about the pee hole. Will someone tell me if I did? I've never been so DUMB!!

Speaking of dumbness..... are you ready to go where no T.M.I has gone before?????

.....So I got my cerclage @ 20 weeks where my doc pulled the plug on sex..... DH deployed for a few months so it was okay that we weren't doing it but now he's back and I was feeling weird/insecure/unattractive b/c I wasn't able to have sex and "satisfy" him. Sure, I tried the 'ol "blowj" but let's be honest.... even when we're not SIXTY (that's right), 60 lbs heavier than usual & carrying 1-3 babies, who's really DYING to do that?? Not me. So, I never thought I'd go here but..... that's it.... butt. WTF was I thinking??? Anyone done this??? Sorry if this is wayyy overboard on the T.M.I and maybe I should I be going to a sex board for this! I feel like a teenager who just lost their V card but more like B card & I hurt & was wondering when I might feel normal again. Also- was anyone crazy enough to resort to this? Also, no offense for those who are into this!! It's just new to me... and soon will be old to me. Hope DH enjoyed it b/c unless my va-jay-jay becomes un-usable for the REST of my life, that's all the action he's gettin back there.

[jlbroyles]

Land- LMAO at your entire post!!! LOL. Sorry, still laughing. Um, no I never even thought about getting around the no sex rule like that. Have no idea when you'll start to feel better in that area.

Yeah my wrist pain has continued after DD was born. It got so bad last week that I had to wear a brace and there's definitely lots of swelling. A friend was telling me that it can get worse after pregnancy. :(

[Darlin]

Land - You had me rolling on the floor about to pee my pants. At least if you have nothing else to get you through, you have humor :p I hope things start feeling better for you soon!!

[praises1139]

Land-OMG! Sleeping pills making you loopy?? Haha. I think the answer to most of your questions is "YOU ARE PREGNANT WITH TRIPLETS, who the heck knows???" Lol
Where did u think u peed from? You got 3 holes down there! Don't forget to wipe your baby girls from front to back...lol
Well I don't think I would resort to that, DH would just have to suffer. Lol Neither of us is really interested in it and Id be concerned about infection. I can't even enjoy regular DTD now, so I don't have high hopes for 3rd trimester.
LMAO @ 'I've seen some chicas'!!!!!! Oh and that was so funny the other day with your story about asking if there was a wiener in your belly!

[rachelttc]

Wow, land, you were like a totally different person in that post! How funny!

On the BD front, can I suggest doing what I like to call "an assist"? Meaning I play with the nipples or the balls or whatever while my DH jerks off. Or I put my boobs in his face or whatever. He sure likes it, especially if I talk dirty to him while he does it and it requires no physical discomfort on my part, not in the mouth, the vag, or the butt. Just an idea.

[debraanne6]

Land - Too funny!

You poor thing, my husband would die if we couldn't dtd. He is like more horny now than before! I think he is trying to get it out of his system or something before I have the baby, becuase he know he ain't getting any for a while. I tell him that once a week (for the entire pregnancy including when I had morning sickness@!!!!!!!!) is great! I read Jenny Mccartney's book and they did it like twice the entire pregnancy, so I tell my hubby he's lucky!

[landbttc]

HAHAHAH YES, Rachel!!! Excellent ideas!!!!! My boobs are huge right now.... well compared to my ittie pre-preg bitties... so I tried the whole boob sex thing, Maybe next time baby oil will make things run a little more smoothly- Homeboy tries to "make it last" and that PISSES ME OFF. Then it becomes a battle of him mentally knowing that "I want him to go".... well you're damn right, snap to! The worst part about the butt thing was as follows..... we tried it in a spooning position and it wasn't that bad b/c I think from that direction "it" can only go so far..... well he was all mentally screwed up b/c it was so "NEW" and apparently I was doing SUCH a good acting job that he ACTUALLY thought I could go.... so he was freaking holding off trying to get me to go. Seriously???? So then I noticed things weren't progressing and I was like "oh hell no, this wasn't for a waste"... so I did my bed over deal and holy SH*T that hurt like a B****. Of course DH was diggin it.... no pun intended.... SICK!!!!- "It" goes to deeper and darker places that should only be seen by a probe from that position.... Anyhow then he thought he was hurting me after like five minutes (HE WAS!!!!!!!) so he ended up wackin his weiner anyhow. SO GLAD I PERMANENTLY SCARRED MYSELF!!!!

Praises- we always said we would never, ever be interested in that but go 3.5 without sex knowing that you had at LEAST 3 more months without doing it and you will do some s*it you thought you'd never do! Ab the pee hole, I don't think I've ever looked at my vagina as in depth as a women is supposed to. I just figured, what does it matter? Maybe I thought there was a smaller hole in the big hole..... OMG HOW EMBARRASSING. If I die, I pray to jesus no one finds the things I've written on this thread.

[QueenFroggie]

Rachel -- what about Dalton, Devin Dillon, or Devlin

[praises1139]

Land--lol..I'm sitting here cracking up and DH asks me what's so funny...don't worry, I didn't tell him! Take it easy there, I know you are Superwoman but even she doesn't have to go through that! I don't even know how he fit in there with all your stuff squished. I will remember your pain if I am ever tempted, but I don't have to actually DTD to have an O so I think I will be ok!! Haha.

Debra--don't know how you do it!! I feel like a nun!!

[KMCarpeDiem]

OK...i lurk over here because I like to see who is having their babies and I must say that this has been the best night...You ladies are making me LAUGH MY ASS OFF!!!

[Alwilki]

Land...hehehe...quite a story. What we do for our hubbies ;) I tried doing the whole butt thing once a few years ago just to "try it out"...It HURT and we never went there again! DH didn't even get all the way "in" before I gave up

I'm not sure if I'm digging being preggo in the summer how about you ladies?!?! It seems like I'm swelling up or having hot flashes all the time! Poor DH freezes to death at night while I'm turning on the AC and throwing the blankets off...he just keeps piling them on...usually it is the other way around for us! lol I have my glucose test on Wednesday...I'm praying I pass cuz I don't want to do the 3 hr or deal with GD.

I'm also freaking out a bit, I realized I have about 12 weeks left and there is still so much to get done!!! we need to paint and clean the carpets in the baby's room and set up all the furniture but we are going to be gone a ton the next few weeks for family vacations....or getting ready for family vacations which takes away from my time I could be getting ready for baby. and then there is still so much to buy. I've been researching cloth diapers this week and think I've found the ones I want to go with, although I'm going to buy a few different brands just to make sure.

[r6bikerchick]

K, I totally lost track of posts I was going to reply to because Land has me cracking up. Ummm...

Jen - Glad you enjoyed your sister's wedding and that Kelsey is snug as a bug. I'm sure that with all the major life events (graduations, weddings, etc.) out of the way that you're now ready for her to show up (assuming you did get your bag packed).

Rachel - Declan was the first name that popped into my head. Also Davin (rhymes with Gavin). I do know what you mean about checking what the initials spell, although my initials do spell a word (not a bad one) and since my DH shares initials with his daughter (my step-daughter), we're thinking about a name that will allow our little boy to share initials with me :).

Land - Where to start? Okay, no I haven't needed Ambien to sleep - I have the annoying habit of falling alseep within 30 seconds of my head hitting the pillow (I don't think it's annoying; DH does). And carpal tunnel syndrome is very common with pregnancy. It's not so much about how much the fingers/wrists bloat up on the outside, it's got more to do with what's happening on the inside in terms of pressing on nerve pathways, explaining why women with chubby nubs can still be okay. I'm amazed that with my 40+ pounds (with a singleton! Do you think I'd have gained 120 with trips??) that my wedding ring usually still fits comfortably, unless it's really hot out and my fingers swell. And yes, unfortunately the pain can continue post-pregnancy and it is often aggravated by picking up and holding the babies, which puts strain on the wrists and fingers. Nursing pillows and side-lying nursing will be your best friends.

As for the urethra (and no, I don't remember you posting anything about it before), I think I went through a phase of "self-enlightenment" as an older teenager (17-19ish) so I have actually checked things out in that area with a hand mirror and I do know where all three of the holes are, lol (although I still suck at peeing in a cup)! Up until recently, I was still trying to keep that area "tidy" just by feel, but I started to worry about cutting myself with my razor so I've given up - just like the annoying neighbours who let their lawns go wild and overgrown (how's that for TMI?). It IS possible that overwiping is causing your discomfort - there's probably more discharge going on now and you might just be moving it around or taking too much away. Maybe try patting the area with a folded tissue instead of actually wiping?

In terms of trying to keep each other satisfied...DH and I were still DTD up until a week ago, but it was starting to get uncomfortable for me and just like you I realized that DH actually thought I was going to be able to "get there" so he held off (meanwhile I'm thinking, "I know you're close, just finish already!"). DH also confessed that he is starting to get nervous about DTD causing me to go into pre-term labour, so he's backed off for now (but will be more than happy to resume at 38+ weeks). I'm still perfectly happy to provide "oral services", but it does take some creative positioning on my part so that I can be comfortable. Rachel also had some good suggestions.

So, no, I haven't resorted to any back door antics during this pregnancy, BUT I have gone that route a few times in the past, with mixed results (DH always enjoys it; it's hit-or-miss for me). I don't think you're crazy for giving it a go...if you're still allowed to O during pelvic rest, you might find that using fingers or a toy while DH is back there will allow you to loosen up and possibly enjoy the experience more.

Alwilki - Lots of time left! Don't worry - it will get done. I'm not finding it hard to be preggo in the summer, because we really don't have any summer weather to speak of. I don't want to unecessarily propagate the message of Canada as the Great White North, but so far pretty much the entire month of June has been drizzly and overcast and only 10-15 degrees Celsius (I think that's only in the low 70s?).

I think it's a good idea to try out a few different cloth diapers before committing because you may find that different brands and different styles fit differently and you need to find what's best for your baby (same holds for disposables - we have 3-4 different brands at home to try out before we find out what works).

[Jen0653]

WOW!!! I thought I was staying caught up around here, and low and behold, I missed a lot yesterday! I'm laughing and loving the dialogue though! :)

Land - As far as DTD goes, well . . . I don't really know what to say! LOL I'm not as adventerous as you, but my desire in that area has also gone way down throughout my whole pregnancy. I'm uncomfortable (altough I know you're way ahead of me there with 3 babies) and just really not feeling it lately. Poor DH, but he is dealing with it. Lately, he's been pushing for more and I'm starting to have the "if it will help me go into labor, I'm for it daily" mentality.

Alwilki - I started swelling just recently, but it makes me sympathetic to the women due at the end of summer. My mom keeps telling me that when she was pregnant with my sister, who was born at the end of August, it was a hard summer to get through. Totally with you on the hot flashes at night too. I yelled at DH this morning convinced that he shut the air off in the middle of the night. I wake up sweating! Good luck with the glucose test too. I failed my 1 hour, but was well within limits for my 3 hour on all 4 areas.

[debraanne6]

Hi Ladies,
Hope all is well. Still laughing about these posts!

Land - I have been uncomfortable down there too. I think it's mostly do to swelling though. Some days I feel normal, other days only a warm bath will make me feel better.

Also, I have been having some sharp pains sometimes. This has only been for the past week or so. It happens when I stand up and walk around sometimes. It almost feels like I can feel the baby go lower and then I feel a sharp pain in my bladder / cervix area? At least this is where I think I'm feeling it. These don't sound like braxton hicks from what I have read, what do you ladies think?

R6- I feel you on the whole keeping tidy down there! Last week I shaved my legs and tried to shave other parts too. This is how I can really tell how big my belly is now! I can't see a thing!!!! So needless to say I didn't shave as much as before lol. I figured it was just too dangerous!

Praises - I'm def. not in the mood to do it that often! I'm just trying to be nice to hubby I guess! Also, I think he is freaking out about how things are going to be when baby is here.

[landbttc]

R6- After I got out of my 2 week hospital stay I was so repulsed my crotch and how it was seen daily that I TRIED to trim up and just went to TOWN and shaved the whole thing bald!!!!! When I'm not preggo I usually take DH's body groomer and trim the bush and use a razor to get the hedges but DAMN, this was out of control. It's starting to grow back again and it's just sick to me. I'm borderline going to ask DH to be my barber.... BUT for fear of further damaging our current sexual relationship, I think I'll just deal with it.
As far as O bombs are concerned- I keep reading that they're okay if you're NOT high risk. I'm too wimpy to ask my doc. I literally wake up with an orgasm at least once a week and have my whole entire pregnancy. AWESOME- but I always cut them off b/c I"m scared that I'm doing damage.

Deb- I get those sharp pains too. I told my doc about them and she didn't seem concerned at all. I wake up in the morning w/ them a lot and then I drink a bunch of water and they seem to go away. They're not a daily thing in my vag tho. If I'm not mistaken I don't THINK they're a sign of labor though so I wouldn't worry too much about them! My baby A is DIRECTLY on top of my cervix so when he kicks my cervix depending on how he is positioned I get a knife like stab in my crotch and I literally jump!! Doc knows this as well and said it was normal considering how he's positioned... Maybe your LO has moved and is punching u there or perhaps HAS lowered... just guesses!!

Thanks to ALL who commented on my T.M.I issues. I really appreciate your honesty and thoughtful answers! LOL. You all will be happy to hear that my butt seems to be feeling better 2 days post bone. ;)

[karidpt]

Liz - you could just go get it waxed if it was driving you crazy. Never had it done so not sure the cost or anything, but could be worth it.

[praises1139]

Liz--yeah waxing shouldn't be a problem for you because they are used to seeing cooters and you are used to lots of people seeing yours now! haha. i was wondering that myself and if i'd have the guts to get it done. i've waxed mine myself before (technically i used that stuff Nad's)--not the whole thing, just enough so i could wear a bathing suit--and it sure does HURT. they say it gets less painful with time though. i usually just shave but that's hard to do while pregnant.

[Kricket]

Hi everyone.....I just got out of the hospital today (thank God). They wanted me to stay longer but I literally begged to go. I was so claustrophic there just tied to the bed. I had to endure the lovely effects of magnesium sulfate. That stuff is wicked. I was diagnosed with a marginal abruption. Everything looks good right now. When on the monitor I contract every 2-3 min. My cervix is not changing though, which is awesome. It's enough to make my back hurt all the time.

I was allowed to go home on bedrest with the understanding that if anything else happens I'm to return immediately. I just made the third tri today 27 weeks!!!

Thanks girls it feels good to have moved on to the home stretch!

[Alwilki]

Kricket-Yay for being home. just take things really easy and keep your baby baking in there. And I bet it is a relief you made it to the 3rd tri! It feels good to know that even if baby were to be born he/she has a better chance at life and health complications go down each week :)

and Land...since you're bringing up so much TMI topics ;) I have a question for all you ladies about grooming the downstairs area....We all obviously have PCOS and deal with it's lovely side effects to different extents :p well I haven't had to deal with facial hair but my leg/thigh/bikini area has always grown really thick, and black all over. I probably have as much hair on my legs as DH does. and it is BLACK and THICK. I usually shave my legs to my knees but within a day you can see the black stubble growing back:( I usually only shave my thigh/bikini area on special occasions since when it grows back it is thick and itches really bad and I usually get 50 million ingrown hairs on my thighs and bikini area. I tried once shaving the lady parts and as it was growing in (just the next day since it is so thick and grows like a man) it was horrible with the itching and pain from the ingrown hairs :(

However I've always been self conscience about it, DH says he doesn't care but I can tell he gets more turned on when I am all smooth. but going to the doc always bothers me and I'm not looking forward to giving birth and all the nurses and everyone seeing me as the world's most hairiest woman... Does anyone else have to deal with this...? if I start shaving or trimming regularly does it get better or does it sound like I just have sensitive skin?

[rachelttc]

Alwiki: It's expensive, and probably not a great idea during pregnancy (I have no idea about this actually), but laser hair removal is most effective on DARK hair, the blacker the better, so you're in luck! When I was first thinking about getting hair on my lip removed, I went to a dermatologist, and they said it wouldn't work for me because my hair wasn't dark enough. But it sounds like you don't have that problem! And you don't have to keep going until there's no hair at all, because after each laser treatment, the hair comes in a bit lighter and a bit softer. So if you don't want the hair GONE, laser is still an option, just fewer treatments. The only other suggestion I have is waxing, which normally keeps stubble away for longer than shaving.

[landbttc]

A non-complete-shave option is the Norelco Total Body groomer. They have one that you can use in the shower. I get really bad irritation and in grown hairs around that area. Especially when you can't see it anymore and you just have to guess and go in 10 different directions over and over the same spot. Sometimes, just to clean it up but not make it nakey I will just completely trim the entire thing with the body groomer & then maybe shave areas where it would stick out of my underwear. DH doesn't like my vag bald b/c it creeps him out like it looks like a child's vagina haha. So I really do think the men actually appreciate SOME of our womanhood. I'm sorry I haven't tried any of the waxing/laser hair stuff. If you do wax, I'd suggest going ahead and doing it b/c at this point, I'd love to try it but things hurt too bad all over my body already that I don't think I can add any unnecessary pain!! Good luck!

[Jen0653]

Kricket - Glad your home! Now take it easy and bake that baby as long as you can!!!

About the gooming "down there" - I've always been one to keep myself trimmed, but not completely shaved. I have the problem that when it starts to grow back I get really itchy and can't stand that feeling. I use DH's trimmers (he hates that I do this!) every so often and then just use the razor in the shower to trim up the rest. I too have lots of darker hair in my thigh and bikini region and the thought of being a hairy mess when I deliver has crossed my mind, and I'm to the point where it's not so easy to take care of on my own. I did use a hand mirror and fixed myself though. Takes longer than normal, but I feel better. I keep thinking that I need to be prepared at any moment now! LOL

Had another weekly appointment today, and all was boring and well. DH goes, but says he doesn't see why, nothing really goes on. Do you all go alone or make DH go? I'm up 29 pounds total now!

[r6bikerchick]

Jen - Let us know if DTD works for induction! ;) I think I mentioned that DH was nervous about it because he doesn't want the baby to come too soon, but as soon as he is back from his current work rotation (the last one before we meet baby!) I think it's going to be GAME ON. And yes, I think you and I can be grateful about not being pregnant for the WHOLE summer, although I do run the risk of going into August, seeing as my EDD is July 30th. Oh, and DH has never come with me to a prenatal appointment (other than the ultrasounds) and I don't really mind one way or another. I'm holding steady at +40 pounds...I hope that I can just stay at this weight for the next four weeks.

Deb - I definitely think the baby is pressing on something down there, not Braxton-Hicks. Everything I've heard about BH is that they start up at the top of your uterus and if they are strong enough, you will actually see the top of your uterus bunch up and get kinda pointy-looking.

Land (and others) - I used to go for full Brazilian waxes pre-pregnancy (completely bare - guess hubby doesn't mind the prepubescent look, lol), but they are pricey and I think my skin would be too sensitive to do it now. I have definitely heard of expectant moms getting them done, right up to 38-39 weeks. I guess I shouldn't be a wimp about waxing pain if I'm going to go through L&D (although my Hypnobirthing training suggests that it won't be "painful" per se).

I definitely want to shave my upper thighs, but even with a hand mirror, I don't think I'm going to worry about the actual "cooter."

Kricket - Glad you're home and baby is still baking. Take it easy and keep him in there as long as possible!

Alwilki - Waxing definitely lasts longer than shaving, and doesn't grow in as stubbly because it's the fine tip of a new hair that comes in, instead of the thicker middle part of a hair that got cut off while shaving. I don't know if laser/electrolysis is recommended during pregnancy, but that sounds like your best bet.

AFM - Let me just start with MY COWORKERS ARE AWESOME/AMAZING/FANTASTIC! We had a baby shower for me at lunch today, and LOTS of people (guys included) came. We had pizza and cake, and some games (which the GUYS won!). The highlight? Everyone pitched in and they got me a gift card - for $400!! Plus, $80 cash. I am OVER THE MOON. Now I don't have to worry about a crib and crib mattress (although I have to say that baby stuff is WAY more expensive in Canada than in the US. I wish walmart.com shipped to Canada, but you have to go to walmart.ca and they don't have the same prices or even the same selection of products. I wish we had Target here, too).

I also had a great appointment with my maternal GP this morning. I am 35.5 weeks, but he is comfortable seeing me in two weeks' time for my GBS. Maybe I will never get weekly appointments with him? Regardless, I have an appointment with my regular GP next week. I am thinking that next week might be my last week at work...even if I DO have great co-workers!

[landbttc]

When you got babies in yer belly and your shorts are full of jelly- DIARRheA, DIARRHEA!!!!!!

Anyone?

Is this truly a sign of labor or could I just be hella preggers and my bowels are a tad irritable?? Yesterday, I had little ouchie- stomach bug type pains. No one in the house has had diarrhea or stomach aches though and since I've been locked in the house/hospital for the past 7 weeks aside from dr appts I don't think I could've picked a bug up on my own..... Yesterday I'm convinced was the worst day of my life so far. I was uncomfortable and in pain from the moment I woke up til the moment I fell asleep. NOTHING that I could attribute to PTL though.... just back soreness/aches (nothing lower & menstraul like), hands in terrible pain & achiness, dehydration, diarrhea, crotch sweat (sorry), hot flashes, head.... heebie jeebies.... omg EVERYTHING. I'm thinking it's gonna be ROUGH the rest of the time. Dr's said they won't let me go past 36 weeks probably. They also said that if I go into labor around 32 weeks, they won't try to aggressively stop it. Originally, I thought I was a hardcore badass and I was going to AT LEAST 33 weeks, now I'm feeling that sh*t ain't happenin.

[jessicaileen]

When you got babies in yer belly and your shorts are full of jelly- DIARRheA, DIARRHEA!!!!!!

Anyone?

Is this truly a sign of labor or could I just be hella preggers and my bowels are a tad irritable?? Yesterday, I had little ouchie- stomach bug type pains.

I think it's just the lovely 3rd trimester bowels you have! Starting at around 36 weeks, every time I ate, I had a bowel movement. It was crazy. I didn't go into labor until 38.5 weeks. But keep an eye on it and mention to your OB next time if it doesn't get better...better safe than sorry.

[Meggiejen]

OMG you ladies have me completely cracked up! I am so glad that I decided to lurk over here tonight.

Land - Your little diarrhea lyric, OMG I am seriously laughing my butt off right now. I totally text stuff like that to my DH when I'm not feeling well :p

For those of trying to figure out how to "landscape", mirrors are handy. I've also heard good things about "Magic Cream". I guess its a hair remover made for black mens beards since their hair is really coarse and shaving irritates. Its supposed to work "magic" (haha, pun intended) on the lady parts. I haven't tried it so I don't know. But I've heard it works well, even for those who don't get results with Nair.